The Dane County Farmers’ Market will return to the Alliant Energy Center starting April 10 with the intention of returning to the Capitol Square later in the 2021 season, according to a press release.
The Farmers’ Market will return to its weekly hours of operation on Saturdays from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. for the traditional market, and will continue to offer the Local Food Pick-Ups on Wednesdays and a pre-order option for the weekends. All services will be provided through the Alliant Energy Center.
“We will be building on the success and joy that many found in our modified operations during the 2020 outdoor season,” said Market Manager Sarah Elliott in the release. “We are also confident that we will be allowed to return to the Capitol Square sometime during our 2021 outdoor season.”
Despite having to pause operations for a short time in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Farmers’ Market has continued efforts to help local farmers and businesses.
Through drive-thru pick-ups, the Dane County Farmers’ Market also pioneered an initiative to distribute necessary funds to farmers during the pandemic, called the Emergency Farmer Fund.
According to their website, they donated more than $48,000 to over 96 different small farmers and food businesses.
“Our fundamental mission is to ensure that Wisconsin family farms and small food businesses can be economically viable and that our community has access to high-quality, fresh local foods,” Elliot said. “This mission continues whether we are permitted to be on the Square or not.”
