The Overland Park Farmers’ Market is the top Farmers’ Market in the country, according to the 14th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration.
Each year, the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition highlight the important role farmers markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the farmers, staff, and volunteers that make markets happen.
The organizations host a contest throughout the summer, ending on Sept. 19. Farmers markets across the country participate, asking shoppers, farmers, vendors, volunteers and others to vote for their favorite markets.
This year, the Overland Park Farmers’ Market received 12,004 votes, more than any of the 7,000 markets across the country that participated.
For years, the Overland Park Farmers’ Market has been a community gathering place with events and entertainment to make Downtown Overland Park a desirable destination,” said Kristina Stanley, City of Overland Park Recreation Supervisor and the coordinator of the market. “We are so appreciative of our community for the support. This award affirms just how essential the farmers’ market truly is for people of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, national origins, and sexual orientations in our community.”
Shoppers who voted noted supporting the market for its variety of farm fresh produce, support of small businesses and the ability to get in and out of the market quickly, or enjoy a leisurely morning visit with coffee and breakfast treats.
The Overland Park Farmers’ Market will receive a $5,000 cash prize to go toward marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact.