Friday, April 26, 2013 – SPRINGFIELD, MO. – The Ozark Downtown Farmers Market … Powered by Farmers Market of the Ozarks (FMO) will open next week on Thursday, May 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the square in downtown Ozark, Mo.
The new Ozark Downtown Farmers Market is the first sister market to FMO. Customer demand for local, fresh foods is on the rise and to fulfill customer demand and serve the region’s farmers, the two market entities have partnered together to bring residents more opportunities to purchase local foods.
The City of Ozark received a Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance (DREAM) Grant and hope that the new Ozark market, partnership with FMO and grant will be the perfect catalyst for this new venture between the two entities.
“Not only is our downtown becoming more vibrant and offering more to the community, it is becoming a regional destination,” said Cara Borneman Administrative Projects Director with the City of Ozark. “We have the support from the Chamber of Commerce, County Commission, Ozark Board of Aldermen, and the downtown merchants and retailers (DREAM/Downtown Planning Committee). “This new partnership with FMO is right in line with not only their market’s mission, but our efforts to bring more people to the heart of our community- the historic downtown.”
As part of the DREAM Initiative, six events are planned through the market season which runs from May through Oct 3, according to Borneman, which will include market music, an art walk, kids activities, birthday bash to celebrate Ozark’s 125th, reading around the square and a harvest festival.
Currently the market has 35 vendors that will provide products such as produce, soaps, lotions, roasted nuts, jams and jellies, fresh and frozen seafood, herbs, flavored salts and sugars, baked goods, stained glass and much more. Learn more about the market, it’s vendors and events on the market’s Facebook page: Ozark Downtown Farmers Market.
“FMO is a wonderful and professional organization who’s mission is to help this region and local farmer’s markets become successful, we are their first sister market and FMO has what is proven to work, and they have outstanding individuals to assist in this process, “ said Borneman.
