A bountiful display of fresh produce and other items can be found at several farmers markets, like this one, in Kosciusko County. Photo provided.

By Phoebe Muthart
Staff Writer

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Farmers markets are a summer staple. Shoppers can enjoy fresh, locally grown produce as well as other goodies, such as honey, baked goods, crafts and other tasty treats right here in Kosciusko County.

Warsaw

The Kosciusko County Farmers and Artisans Market has served Warsaw and the surrounding area since 1976. With a wide range of products from Kosciusko County residents, the market represents the best of fresh, local vegetables, fruits, meat and eggs. Offerings also include a broad array of unique crafts and jewelry. Shoppers can find just the right item for a delicious meal, a perfect gift for a friend, or a treat or accessory for themselves.

The market is located in downtown Warsaw from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, from May to October. If you would like to become a vendor or play music, email [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/KosCountyFarmersandArtisanMarket.

Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Farmers Market has in-season fruits, vegetables, meat, and baked goods, all produced locally in Kosciusko County. It is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, until the last Saturday of October (Oct. 28). The market is located at 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw.

Pam Roberts is one of the vendors. She said she sells “all kinds of produce,” beef, chicken, goat, and turkey meat.

“We have honey, too,” she said.

Roberts said the farmers market is popular because “people want to support the local growers.”

She said onions are one of her family’s major crops at their farm north of Pierceton.

The cost to sell is $25 per year for the whole season. Visit its Facebook page for more information or call the fair office at (574) 269-1823.

Syracuse

Syracuse Artisans and Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday through Sept. 2, at Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill.

The 14th season of the Artisans and Farmers Market opened in May. The market has displays of locally grown produce, flowers, baked goods and art. The goal is to fill the park to create a diverse and friendly community shopping experience. Located directly off of SR 13 in the heart of town, residents and visitors come together to celebrate local food and art in the park.

For more information or about becoming a vendor, contact Darin Lursen at [email protected] or download a vendor form on its website, www.syracusein.org/departments/parks/farmers_market.php.

Blue Barn Berry Farm’s Country Market, 9139 N. CR 300E, Syracuse, has seasonal produce, honey and eggs. For more information, visit www.bluebarnberryfarm.com, email [email protected] or call (574) 742-2247.

Mentone

The Mentone Community Market is a farmers, crafters, and bakers market. It has crafts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, honey and more. The market is open May to October from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The market is located at 202 W. Main St., Mentone, across from the Mentone Fire Station. For information, email [email protected] or call (574) 353-8105.

North Webster

Hepler’s Farm Market, a locally-owned fresh produce and fruit market, has a variety of vegetables available. There are blueberries, seedless and seeded watermelon, corn, peppers, and potatoes, among others. The market is located at the northwest corner of SR 13 and CR 500N, North Webster. Call (574) 594-2656 or visit its Facebook page. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Winona Lake

Winona Lake Farmers Market, 705 Park Ave., Winona Lake. Hours are every from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday until Saturday, Sept. 30.

Currently, there are about seven vendors, which have fresh flowers, coffee, cheese, meats, and micro-greens. Vendors also sell other homegrown produce and plants, baked goods, mushrooms, honey, eggs, and tallow-based products.

A free bounce house keeps children entertained, and many weeks a local artist performs live music. For information, email [email protected] or call (574) 268-9888.

Leesburg

A flower farm in Leesburg has U-pick options. Pick flowers and enjoy the colorful array of flowers at this flower farm, 2058 E. CR 450N, Leesburg.

For information, email [email protected] or call (574) 221-9258.

Bourbon

Bourbon Farmers and Artisan Market is open 6-8 p.m. every Monday.

For more information, visit visitkosciuskocounty.org/play/shopping/farm-fresh.

Roy Anderson is one of the vendors at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Farmers Market in Warsaw. He mainly sells apples. The farmers market is open every Saturday and Wednesday. Photo provided.