This year’s kickoff saw a bigger turnout than last year’s.

“We had six or seven vendors for the first market last year,” said Sarah Warmka with the Chamber of Commerce. “This year, we’ve doubled that.”

Vendors again chose the A to Zinnia location this year, citing its visibility and accessibility as ideal for attracting local shoppers. New features this season include free transportation to the market via Hermann Express and Heartland Express, acceptance of SNAP/EBT benefits, and free market runners available to help customers carry purchases to their vehicles.

Among the returning vendors was Juan Cervantes from Fairfax, representing Cervantes Produce.

Shoppers browse and mingle with vendors at the New Ulm Farmers Market on opening day, held in the A to Zinnia parking lot. Photo by Jared Winter

“I’ve got a farm, we like doing this,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun for us. We’ve been coming to this market for 14 years.”

Lori Zollner of Sugar Shanty from New Ulm, known for syrup and canned goods, has been vending for about seven years.

“Our biggest seller is our maple syrup,” she said.

Lauren Buckentine of Mrs. B Bakery from New Ulm started vending for a unique reason.

“I teach full-time, and this was a side gig,” she explained. “There wasn’t anything dairy- and gluten-free in town, so I started baking it myself.”

Holly Covington with her daughters Katelyn and Addison Covington at their Holly Jolly Acres vendor stand, offering farm-fresh eggs and more at the New Ulm Farmers Market. Photo by Jared Winter

Blaine Kral with Gulden Family Farm from New Ulm has been part of the market since its beginning. “Sweet peas and asparagus are our most popular items,” he said.

Leah Gertz of Gertzski Bees from New Ulm is in her third year at the market, selling homemade soaps and lip balm.

“People come back for our products,” she said.

Holly Schaefer, of Schaefer Sweets and Treats from New Ulm, is in her second year and already looking ahead.

“We had a lot of fun last year. I do winter pop-ups and vendor events selling sourdough and hope to open my own bakery in town soon.”

Jack and Vivan Schaefer playing games at the Wanda Gag Stand at the New Ulm Farmers Market. Photo by Jared Winter

New to the market are Marisa and Christine Olson from Madelia, vending as Grove Grown. They offer chicken, goat milk, and handmade soaps. The Olson’s said they wanted to try some of the smaller markets and heard New Ulm had a great reputation.

Another second-year vendor, Holly Covington of Holly Jolly Acres from Gibbon, brings chicken and duck eggs. ”

There wasn’t a vendor selling eggs before,” she said. “We always have more than we can use. This market helps support our animals.”

Dan and Deb Olsen from Blue Earth returned with “The Lemon,” their mobile lemonade stand.

“We’ve been coming to New Ulm since COVID,” said Deb Olsen. “People know us from the Brown County Fair.”

Dan Olsen serves up fresh lemonade from The Lemon stand at the New Ulm Farmers Market. Photo by Jared Winter

The Champion Force of New Ulm competitive cheer also joined the market to raise funds for their trip to nationals in Cleveland, Ohio, this July. They sold cookies, t-shirts, bracelets, pins, and bows to support their journey.

The New Ulm Farmers Market will continue this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

New Ulm Competitive Cheer Brooke Paradis (left) Aunizia Mills (middle) Savannah Martin Hvinden (left) smile at their booth raising money for the nationals trip to Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by Jared Winter