The spring semester may not be over yet, but this week, students and community members got a taste of summer on the Capitol Square.
Madison welcomed back the Dane County Farmers’ Market for its first Saturday of the season Saturday. With winter finally coming to a close, students, families and community members filled the Square to enjoy everything from local produce to live performances and handmade artwork.
The Dane County Farmers' Market has united local vendors and community members around the Wisconsin State Capitol building for 58 years. The market features over 220 vendors offering fresh vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses and more, all sourced in Wisconsin.
The market was already at its busiest by 10 a.m., and sidewalks were packed. In the middle of the square, a small crowd gathered around a live performance by the TimbAché Cuban dance connection, while others looked through vendors’ stands or even took photos in front of the Capitol.
Balloon twister Neil “The Real Deal” Skinner set up his stand in the center of the market, making balloon creations for children and adults alike.
Skinner said his favorite part of the farmers’ market is “making kids happy, making families happy, I always enjoy captivating an audience.”
Skinner does not charge his customers. However, satisfied patrons left him tips after receiving their balloon creations. From simple flowers to elaborate animals, his stand brought entertainment and a sense of community to the farmers' market, emphasizing the value of the market as a fun spot for people of all ages.
Walking around the Dane County Farmers’ market, there was a clear sense of community. College-aged friend groups stopped to take pictures in front of the Capitol, many carrying tote bags filled with flowers and other local goods they bought. Couples shared steaming hot empanadas and cinnamon rolls, while children carried apple cider donut holes and cups of fresh lemonade mixed with honey from a local stand. Nearby, vendors handed out free samples of locally produced cheeses and sausages to the crowd.
Being the first market of the season, there was limited fresh produce available. However, many stands offered mixed greens, potted plants and dried bouquets more fitting of the season.
While the sidewalks were bustling, some stands clearly held longer lines than the rest. The stand for Stella’s Bakery and their famous spicy cheese bread was one of the busiest, with their line wrapping around the tent.
Another popular stand was run by Larry Haas, best known as the Gourd Guy, who has been a vendor at the farmers' market for over 30 years and sells gourds of all different shapes and sizes to community members.
"I love the location of the market, but I guess the best part of coming is selling some gourds and trying to make a little extra money for the biscuits,” Haas said, referring to his children.
University of Wisconsin-Madison students also shared their excitement to have a popular weekly tradition back.
Sophomore Carmen Alvarez said she enjoys going to the farmers' market every Saturday with her roommates.
“I go all the time with my roommates who also happen to be my best friends,’’ she said.
Alvarez described the atmosphere of the farmers’ market as “love all around.” She emphasized how the market gives the community a space to gather to peruse local goods, enjoy great food and even enjoy live entertainment.
Despite the crowded pathways, the first Dane County Farmers’ Market of the season offered more than just local produce. It created a welcoming space for community members of all ages and backgrounds to spend their Saturday morning together at one of Madison's most lively local traditions.
Saturday on the Square is held around the Capitol every Saturday from April 11 through Nov. 14 from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
