‘Lettuce’ celebrate the return of the Cartwright Market season, which kicks off May 2.

Market Manager Trisha Wilder said the downtown farmers market season will extend through Oct. 31 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. She is expecting more than 30 vendors this year.

“Some will participate both days of the week and some only one day a week,” Wilder said. “The vegetable producers generally start later. However, one of the popular producers has returned this season with early produce.”

There will be some new vendors this year. She is expecting Bill Sager, Clover Bloom Farms, 78Pottery and Zin Engineering, which makes plant-based drinks.

“I cannot fully describe it the way it deserves,” Wilder said. “We will see more meat and eggs at the market, and a lot more produce this year.”

For people who would like to set up a table at Cartwright, she said the process is relatively easy, depending on whether or not licensing is required. Vendors are required to create their own goods, grow their produce or forage by state standards in order to sell.

“We do not allow reselling, generally,” she said.

Wilder said people interested in being a vendor can contact her for more information via email, cartwright.market@gmail.com; the market Facebook page; or by calling or texting her at 641-351-9181.

Organizing Cartwright is something Wilder is familiar with, as she has done it for years. Communicating with 30 vendors and the state regarding necessary changes is the biggest challenge, but she rises to the task.

“I have never clocked my hours,” she said. “Usually starting in February, there is a lot of demand for administrative work. Closer to the market opening, I consider it my full-time job. Much of the time is working with vendors and processing paperwork. Preparing for the physical market takes a lot of planning, as well. Opening time is my favorite time of year.”

With the market comes activities and events, and so far they have monthly craft fairs planned. The first two fairs will be held on May 23 and June 27. Later dates will be shared as they are confirmed.

“We plan to be open as usual during RAGBRAI and Bee Ridiculous Day,” Wilder said.

She is expecting the 2026 season to be the best Cartwright Market season yet.

“I am beyond excited for our new and returning vendors,” Wilder said. “I am also excited for fresh, locally grown food. We would love to keep growing. So, if you have a garden or run a family farm, we would love to hear from you. We always need volunteers to help with small tasks. If you’re interested, please reach out to us.”

OPERATING INFO:

Name: Cartwright Market

Address: 108 N. Second Ave.

Hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays; 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. In September, the market will begin closing at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

——-

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210

or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.