T-R PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER - A few of the Reinbeck Farmers Market’s youngest shoppers last Saturday pose for a photo – siblings (l-r) Edna, Edison (back), and Egan Ott, all aged four, were checking out the market’s opening day alongside their mom Molly Ott (not pictured).

REINBECK – Whether you were searching for local honey, gourmet salt, early spring veggies, delectable baked goods (macaroons!), potted plants and flowers, or even some fresh stickers for your laptop or water bottle, the Reinbeck Farmers Market did not disappoint on Saturday, June 1. A healthy crop of vendors along with scores of local shoppers including many young families turned out along the closed-off 100 block of Broad Street from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for the market’s 2024 season opener. The family-friendly market will be open every Saturday now through October. Cindy Rufenacht will be in attendance during many of the markets with a creative activity geared toward kids – last Saturday’s crafting experience involved making a market bandana bag that when brought back during subsequent weeks is worth a $1 discount at any vendor. The Milk House was also open for the season starting at noon on Saturday having held its 2024 kickoff over the Memorial Day weekend. New to the market this year were vendors and rising G-R sixth graders Grace Bowser and Charlie Waleski who peddled their wares – homemade stickers and bracelets – under the tent of veteran vendor Kim Ehlers alongside her cute pup Tito. A market not to be missed this season takes place on July 13, and while much of the fun is still in development, organizers told the newspaper there will be a dunk tank operated by the Reinbeck Fire Dept. featuring several local participants including G-R Superintendent Caleb Bonjour and Five R Farm’s Holly Robertson. Make your calendars now to meet up at the Reinbeck Farmers Market this season!