photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Opening day of the Downtown Lawrence Farmers Market, April 12, 2025.

The Lawrence Farmers Market is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and its opening day is next Saturday.

The Lawrence Farmers Market had its first season in 1976, according to a press release from the organization, and what started as three farmers selling produce on the backs of their trucks has now grown into one of Lawrence’s most beloved institutions.

The market will have its opening day for the 50th season from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at 824 New Hampshire Street, and the community is invited to celebrate the Lawrence Farmers Market reaching this milestone. The market will be open rain or shine.

“Fifty years is evidence of this community’s commitment to knowing where their food comes from,” Emily Lysen, director of development for the Lawrence Farmers Market, said in the release. “We’re so proud of what this Market has become, and we are excited to welcome everyone back to help us make this the most memorable Market season yet.”

The release said over 50 of its 78 vendors this season will be selling fresh produce, raised meat and eggs, baked goods, cut flowers, herbal products and many more.

The market is also committed to making local food accessible to everyone, the release said. The market will offer the Double Up Food Bucks and Double Up Protein Bucks programs, which double the purchasing power of eligible SNAP/EBT users on fresh, local produce and protein. Token programs for debit, credit, and SNAP-EBT cards will also available at the market.

The Lawrence Farmers Market will also have weekly programming, including weekly scavenger hunts with seasonal foods; live music every Saturday; community organization booths; and a Loyalty Card program for frequent shoppers.

As the Journal-World reported, the market has been looking for a permanent site for years, and it is currently exploring the idea of adding a pavilion to the northwest portion of South Park near Vermont and 11th Streets.

The market will be open every Saturday, April 11 through Nov. 21, in the parking lots at the 800 block of New Hampshire Street. Admission is free and open to the public.