KCKidsFun

It’s that time of year–when thoughts turn to getting outside and eating fresh, homegrown produce!  Starting this week, the metro’s many farmers markets will open for the season. These markets offer a great opportunity to meet and support local growers.  It also makes for a great “teaching moment” when you take the kids, let them pick out some fruits and vegetables, and chat with the farmer who actually puts the food on the table.  Back to basics!  Farmers market “season” is typically late-April through October, although some are open year-round.  Markets aren’t limited to just produce…many offer up baked goods and handmade crafts, too!  Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags!

Our 2010 list:

Kansas City, MO City Market

This market, the “granddaddy” of them all, is located in KC’s River Market area, on 5th Street in downtown KC.  There are close to 150 vendors represented here!  If you want it, you’re sure to find it here…fresh baked goods, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and even local plants, herbs and fresh-cut flowers.  This market is open year-round, but is especially vibrant during the spring and summer growing seasons.  Hours are 7am to 330 pm on Saturdays, 8am until 330pm on Sundays.

Brookside’s Farmer’s Community Market at Border Star Montessori School

Located in Brookside at 63rd and Wornall, this market features organic produce, free-range eggs, hormone-free meats and even some prepared foods. Weekly events include childrens’ events, cooking demonstrations and live music.  Saturdays only, from 8am until 1pm, or sellout.

39th Street Community Market (now known as the Westport Plaza Community Market)

Starting May 5, 2010, this market will be located to the northwest corner of Westport Road and Wyoming Street.  Every Wednesday from 430-730pm is when you’ll find lots of parking and fresh organic and sustainably grown produce.

Blue Valley Recreation Farmers’ Market (new in 2010!)

Open May 1 through Oct. 16, 2010.  Every Saturday, rain or shine!  Located at Blue Valley Rec Complex, east fields parking lot, 9701 W. 137th Street in Overland Park, KS.  Featuring fresh produce, honey, and more–all grown within 125 miles of Overland Park.

Downtown Overland Park, KS Farmers Market

Located in Downtown Overland Park near the Clock Tower Plaza (just west of Metcalf around 80th Street).  Saturdays from 630am until sellout, and Wednesdays from 730am until sellout.  You’ll also find locally baked bread, pies and handmade pasta–along with lots of fresh flowers and herbs!

Mission Farms Market/Leawood, KS

Mission Farms, just south of 103rd St. & Mission Rd., on Thurs. from 4-8:30pm. Featuring organic produce, including free-range meats and eggs, etc.

Shawnee, KS Farmers Market

Located in the City Hall’s parking lot at 11100 Johnson Drive.  Begins this Saturday!  Saturdays, 7am-4pm.  Check out the fresh-baked goods!

Olathe, KS

Join fellow ”locavores” in eating foods grown within a 100-mile radius of where you live…this market features only produce and flowers grown in or around KC.  Located at downtown Olathe, 200 E. Santa Fe (135th Street).  Hours are 8am until sellout on Saturdays (starts this weekend) and 3pm until sellout on Wednesdays, June through September.

Paola, KS

Just 20 min south of Overland Park!  Saturday evenings 6-9pm on the historic Park Square. There are also free family concerts in the square during the market. Afterwards, be sure to check-out the Midway Drive-in Theatre nearby.. G and PG movies start at dusk.

KC Organics and Naturals Organic-Only Market

Only Organic, Fair Trade and Recycled here!  Natural specialty meats, produce, honey, edible flowers, artisan breads and more. Located at Minor Park in south KCMO, which is at about 112th Street, just east of Holmes.  8am to 1230pm on Saturdays.  ALSO– now featuring a 2nd location!  Wednesdays, from 10am-2pm at Leawood’s Barkley Square/Park Place (117th and Nall Ave.)

Parkville, MO Market

Local farmers sell produce and plants in Parkville’s downtown at English Landing Park.  3-6pm on Wednesdays, and 6am until sellout on Saturdays.

Briarcliff Farmers’ Market

Opening May 6, 2010 in Briarcliff Village (Hwy 169 and Briarcliff Pkwy, just 5 min north of downtown KC.)  Thursdays, 3-7pm until September 30, 2010.

Zona Rosa Farmers Market

Tuesdays from 4-8pm are when you’ll find this Northland gem.  Located at Zona Rosa shopping district (I-29N and Barry Road), you’ll find fresh-made baked goods, produce, crafts and honey.  Doesn’t begin until June 2010 and runs through September.

Liberty, MO

Liberty Farmers Market on the Historic Courthouse Square operates from 7am to noon on Saturdays from May through October. On Wednesdays, the market moves to the Crowley’s Furniture/Perkins parking lot (where it is also known as the “Crowley’s Furniture Farmers Market”)  Shop 7am until noon (or until sellout) on Wednesdays.  Located at M-291 and M-152 in Liberty.

Independence, MO

Located between Liberty and Main streets at Truman Road.  Open Saturdays May-October, with Wednesdays starting in June.  5am until 1pm on both days.  Features crafts, too!

Blue Springs, MO

Located at 11th and Main in Blue Springs, this market is on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Lee’s Summit, MO

I think that this one wins the prize for closing out the farmers market season…you can shop here through NOVEMBER!!! In downtown Lee’s Summit at Douglas and 2nd streets.  Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am til sellout.

UPDATED TO ADD (thanks readers!):

Merriam Farmers Market – Saturdays, May thru mid-October

Spring Hill Farmer’s Market – Saturdays, 7:30am to 12pm – May 8 thru September 25, 2010

BADSEED Market (KCMO) – Fridays, 4pm to 9pm, May thru mid-November

So, there you have it!  Did I leave your favorite out??  If so–shoot me an email!  ENJOY!

*image courtesy of masslive.com