Fulton County Farmers Market kicks off season May 9

The Fulton County Farmers Market is kicking off the first day of the season Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the corner of Eighth and Madison St in Rochester. The farmers market will then continue every Saturday until October 3. 

Vendors at the market include local growers, artisans, and small businesses offering everything from honey and coffee to artwork, embroidered goods, and specialty baked goods.

This year the market is growing thanks to a Community Support Grant from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, further helping to strengthen the market’s visibility and expand opportunities for local growers, bakers, artisans, and small businesses while creating an even more welcoming experience for the Rochester community.

For years, the Fulton County Farmers Market has provided a space where visitors can connect directly with local producers and makers. From fresh produce and homemade foods to handcrafted goods, the market supports small businesses while offering the community access to locally made and locally grown products.

According to a press release from Fulton County Farmer's Market board members, the financial support provided by the Northern Indiana Community Foundation has allowed the market to launch a new marketing and visibility initiative designed to increase public awareness and attract new visitors. The project also has plans to make the market easier to find, more engaging to attend, and more supportive to its local vendors.

For the 2026 season, a branded canopy tent will serve as a central information area during market events, helping visitors easily recognize the market space and learn about vendors and upcoming events. A feather flag and directional yard signs will help guide visitors to the market location, further improving its visibility throughout the community. Additionally, reusable cotton tote bags featuring the market logo will be distributed to shoppers, encouraging sustainable shopping while continuing to promote the market as they are used around town.

The grant will also support printed flyers and local advertising through community newspapers and radio, helping ensure more residents know when and where the market takes place. 

Beyond marketing, the project will help create a more lively and welcoming market atmosphere. To add more festive energy and entertainment, board members say local musicians will now be performing live during market hours and plan on having more food vendors participating. 

Vendors are now being accepted to add to the market. Responsibilities include vendors bringing their own canopy, tables, chairs and displays to the market, with canopy weights also being a requirement for safety. Setup for vendors begins at 7:30 AM, with teardown starting after 12 p.m. when the market closes. Restroom facilities are available at the Probation Office, and a $5 cash vendor fee is collected each market day. 

Vendor applications, as well as a full list of vendors and products is available on the market website: www.fultoncountyfarmersmarket.com, with weekly updates posted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fultoncountyfarmersmarketIN.