Instead, the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce will take over and offer the event starting this summer.

Chamber CEO Sarah Warmka said the decision came as KNUJ’s corporate and parent company were unable to continue supporting the market. The chamber was asked if they could take it over. Warmka said they had several internal discussions to decide if it aligned with the chamber’s interests to do so, and found it fit several.

“It adds to the quality of life in New Ulm to have a thriving and active farmers market,” she said. “Keeping it downtown helps the Downtown Action Team’s mission of creating and sustaining a vibrant downtown for residents and visitors alike. It supports the agricultural industry, which is really important in our area.”

Warmka said it also boosts local entrepreneurs, who could be interested in brick-and-mortar stores in the future, as well as supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs with teenage vendors.

This map highlights where the 2024 farmer’s markets will take place. Chamber of Commerce CEO Sarah Warmka said they are looking into expanding the market’s offerings depending on reception.

Though they received all of the documentation on the event from KNUJ and absorbed the farmers market board to become a chamber committee, Warmka said it has not been an easy task to get everything together. Vendor agreements, bylaws, and rules and regulations all had to be rewritten.

With a new organization setting up the show, the farmer’s market will be in a new location for 2024. Last year Thursdays were held at Cash Wise, while Saturdays were downtown on German Street. This year both days will be located on 1st South Street from the South Broadway intersection to down the street, stopping before Anytime Fitness.

They will also be set up in the A to Zinnia parking lot.

Warmka said with German Street under construction this summer, it was necessary to find a new location.

Other changes include accepting EBT and SNAP benefits and a new website people will be able to go to for information. While the website isn’t available currently, Warmka said it will be available in a couple of weeks at newulm.com/farmersmarket. She said they hope to continue offering opportunities for activities as well.

“We hope to continue to grow the live music and kids activities,” she said. “We invite anyone who wants to get involved if they want to do an activity relating to their organization. The grand is planning on coming with their portable press for press printing projects they’ll be able to do right on site.”

With a lot of the work done and everything shaping up, Warmka said she is excited for the first show of the year.

“It feels like there’s so much momentum,” she said. “To be able to take this already established great thing, grow it, and make it even bigger and better is pretty exciting. I like the location downtown too because all the shoppers and people working downtown will be able to swing by the farmers market.”

The first farmers markets will be Thursday and Saturday, June 20 and 22.