Milaeger’s manager Kara Kading has wanted to have a winter farmer’s market for over 10 years and she managed to put one together.
Starting in mid-November, 35 farmers and food makers have been setting up inside the greenhouse on Sundays. Kading plans to continue having the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through March, except after Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
She got the idea of having a winter farmer’s market after a trip to California.
“I really wanted to focus on putting together a really good experience,” she said. “Out in California, I realized that they really appreciate knowing where their food comes from and how it’s cared for… it’s different.”
So Kading focused on offering variety with vendors selling everything from granola to grass-fed beef to beer and bloody Mary’s.
“It’s a little utopia here,” Kading said. “The vendors get to take time to talk with their customers, people see others they know… there’s a lot of hugging involved and it’s quickly becoming a tradition with people coming by after church. It’s a community.”
Attendees are also invited to help support a benefit every week. Last week they collected winter clothing for the homeless assistance leadership organization (HALO). This week they collected food for the Racine County Food Bank.
Eileen Reisdorf, who was visiting family in Wind Point from Dallas, said the event also gave her something to do.
“There’s just nothing like this in Dallas,” Reisdorf said. “Milaeger’s is an amazing store, but it’s also great that you can buy local.”
Jordan Simon, of Simon’s Garden’s which is based just outside of Mukwonago, said the event has been working out great for them.
“We typically don’t do winter farmer’s markets, but we will definitely be back,” Jordan said.
IF YOU GO:
What: Milaeger’s winter farmer’s market
Where: 4838 Douglas Ave.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through March, except for the Sundays after Christmas and New Year.
