MONROE — Sponsored by Monroe Clinic, a member of SSM Health, Main Street’s outdoor farmers market returned to the historic downtown square for the outdoor season on May 1.

The twice-weekly market will be held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the inner lanes of the north and west sides of the square, and on the inner west side on Wednesdays from 12 to 3 p.m. now through October. 

For the first market, 23 vendors were in attendance. Items available for the month of May include spring mix, lettuce, spinach, Swiss Chard, radishes, plant starts for people’s own gardens, pasteurized lamb and beef, eggs, canned items like salsas and jams, kimchee, and sauerkraut. Additional items include handmade aprons, baked goods, and craft items such as handmade signs and birdfeeders. 

As a producer-only farmers market, all vendors will be selling items either grown or made themselves. The market attracts vendors from norther Illinois, southwestern Wisconsin, and the immediate Monroe area. The market is coordinated by a volunteer group of vendors, including Rhonda Urban. Urban, owner of Rubee’s Soaps, sells soaps, lotions, sugar scrubs, lip balm and bath fizzies which are made in small batches.

Jordan Nordby, Main Street’s executive director, highlighted the strong community response to the first outdoor market. “It’s wonderful to be back outside. We’re looking forward to a long and great outdoor season. For people who are looking for a specific item to those who plan their meals around shopping at the market every week, it’s really a wonderful market filling a variety of needs.” Nordby also noted that Main Street also accepts SNAP/EBT at the farmers market.

Thanks to donations from GFWC Monroe Woman’s Club and United Way of Green County, the market offers up to $50 in matching SNAP tokens per family per market. 

Main Street Monroe is following UW guidelines for operating outdoor markets. Vendors are socially distanced and masks and hand sanitizer are available. Additionally, customers may arrange curbside pickup orders with any vendors by contacting them directly.

More information can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org or Main Street’s Facebook pages, including one dedicated to the farmers market: facebook.com/monroewifarmersmarket.