MUSICIANS entertain the perusers of the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Court Avenue on August 29. Over 200 vendors from 47 Iowa counties gather every Saturday morning in Des Moines to sell wares ranging from fresh fruit to eggrolls. The market runs from May until October. Photo; Sarah Andrews

For a number of local farmers and merchants, Saturday mornings begin early on Court Avenue in Des Moines. Truck beds filled to the brim with fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers and baked goods back up to tents decorated with homemade signs for businesses, both big and small. The merchants at the Downtown Farmers’ Market greet one another with warm hellos as they prepare for a 7 a.m. start to the day’s business.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market has been operating on Court Avenue for over 30 years and features nearly 200 vendors from 47 Iowa counties. Vendors feature a number of fresh goods for purchase, including Iowa-grown meat, poultry, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade goods such as jams, freshly baked bread and rolls, crepes, breakfast sandwiches and egg rolls.

Hundreds of Iowans visit the market every Saturday to support the merchants, enjoy live music and eat homemade goods.

The market is open rain or shine7 a.m. until noon from May 2 through October 3. The market encompasses four city blocks, running down Court Avenue from 1st Street to 5th Avenue.

“I’ve been coming to the market for 28 years now,” said Chaouki Younes, of Story City, Iowa. “I like it very much because I see the same customers coming every Saturday for years to buy my produce.”

Storybrook Orchards features 65 varieties of apples as well as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and peaches at the farmers’ market stand.

Other merchants are new to the market and enjoy the chance to interact with customers while promoting their business across town. Ben and Elena Spellman own a fair trade gift shop at 45th and Forest in Beaverdale and bring goods to the market every Saturday. Their goods range from handmade chemical-free children’s toys to artwork and environmentally friendly clothing.

“I’ve been coming to the market as long as I can remember and it’s been great to see it grow, get more people every week,” Spellman said.

Court Avenue is just a 10-minute drive from Drake’s campus. Cassie Toepfer (B2) and Myndi West (B2) have been visiting the Farmers’ Market on Court Avenue since last year.

“We like to go to the market and buy fresh produce and usually something to snack on while we walk around,” Toepfer said. “The atmosphere and the people there are great.”

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is currently competing in the “Love Your Farmers’ Market” competition to win $5,000 for the market. To show your support for this local treasure, visit www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.