Farmer’s Market Fresh: 7 Vendors to Check Out at The Grand Forks Farmer’s Market

Your Saturday mornings may consist of many different things – a cup of coffee, sleeping in, cleaning, or even a workout. But there’s one event you aren’t going to want to miss on Saturday mornings this summer: the Town Square Farmer’s Market.

Ghana Crazy began selling baskets under the name “Ghana Crazy” in 2008 after falling in love with a basket they bought at an Oregon street fair. Their company now represents unique baskets, hats, fans, purses, and jewelry made in Ghana, Africa. All their one-of-a-kind products are handmade by local African craftspeople committed to quality and care. The company strives to promote the weavers from Ghana (especially women) to help with economic development. Purchasing one of these rare finds means you’re not only getting a wonderful, hand-made basket, but you’re also contributing to the preservation of African culture, and helping a tribesperson become financially independent.

Jenelle Karnopp is a local artist who found a new hobby during the quarantine lockdown. Art became more than just a side hobby for her – it turned into a full-time passion project. Her town square farmer’s market booth exhibit allows viewers to interpret her paintings in their own way. 2020 marks her first time as a vendor at the market so stop on by because she values making personal connections with booth visitors.

If you love a good bagel, well look no further! Two Sisters Bagels offers a wide variety of some fan favorites including the cinnamon, everything, and classic bagel. You may have guessed it, but two sisters did indeed start this homegrown business, and it’s been passed down to another generation to carry out the legacy. They also have jams with exciting flavors like raspberry jalapeno jam and marionberry jam.

Chosen is a woman-owned small business with a focus on helping women of all ages know their worth. The owner Ellie Reynolds (full disclosure, she’s my beautiful and talented wife) says it seems every girl/woman struggles with some kind of insecurity, and her hope with the brand is to do what she can to show each and every girl how beautiful they truly are. Like Janelle, this is Chosen Agape’s first year in business and community support and personal connections fuel the business. Ellie hopes every time a woman wears one of her handcrafted clothing items, she feels empowered.

One of the many staples of the farmers market is fresh vegetables and baked goods. You’ll find that and more at The Baker’s Wagon. They have been traveling to the Grand Forks farmer’s market for over 10 years and have become a fan favorite. Their most popular item would be some of the delicious breads including jalapeno cheddar, cinnamon, and 7-grain if you want something a little more unique than just the plain jane. They also sell fried handpies and homemade cinnamon rolls if your sweet tooth rears its head.

Stopping by the Grand Forks Town Square farmers market means you’ll be introduced to a whole swath of new foods from many different cultures. The family-owned Mediterranean vendor brings a piece of Lebanon to the Midwest. Their menu features two traditional dishes: falafel and shawarma. Both dishes burst with flavor but if you’re unfamiliar, falafel is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas, commonly served in a pita or wrapped in a flatbread. Shawarma consists of meat cut into thin slices, usually served with fresh vegetables and grilled, smoked chicken in a hearty dish.

Christi Baughman is the queen bee of farmers markets with her small local business that specializes in honey, bees, plants, and beekeeping. She acquired her love of plants, beekeeping, and the great outdoors as a result of growing up on a farm in eastern North Dakota. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then this is the hive for you. You’ll find a unique collection of pure honey straws with flavors like apple, peppermint, cherry, and more. You will also find her classic clover honey in a variety of sizes.

Grand Forks Town Square Farmer’s Market makes throwing back the covers on Saturday morning an easy choice. With 30 to 40 vendors each week, live music and entertainment, and food trucks, there’s a little something for everyone. I hope you go check it out!

Check out other cool things you can do downtown Grand Forks with that #gfiscooler list of livelier experiences!