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Minnesota will observe Farmers' Market Week from Sunday, Aug. 2, through Saturday, Aug. 8.
Governor Tim Walz has issued a proclamation recognizing the state's more than 400 farmers' markets and more than 10,000 vendors.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and several agricultural organizations will mark the week with events at nine farmers' markets across the state, including the New Ulm Farmers' Market.
State agriculture officials say farmers' markets provide income for growers and food businesses while connecting communities with fresh, locally produced food.
Vendors typically include vegetable and fruit growers, bakers, meat producers, honey makers and others who sell directly to customers.
Markets also give shoppers a chance to buy seasonal produce and speak with the people who grew or made it.
In early August, common items include sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, beans, berries, cucumbers, zucchini and early apples.
In New Ulm, Tim Guldan of Guldan Family Farm, a longtime vendor and member of the New Ulm Farmers Market steering committee, emphasized the value of keeping business local.
"There's the biggest piece with supporting local, whether it be a farm or a storefront," Guldan said. "If we keep things in the local community, it stays in the local community. It's not going off to who knows where. Everything's taken care of here nearby, and everyone can continue to have prosperous growth."
The New Ulm market operates Thursdays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. through Aug. 27 and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through Oct. 10 at the River Bend Education District parking lot, 1315 S. Broadway. The market accepts SNAP benefits and offers a loyalty punch-card program, free runner services and free transportation options through local partners.
Residents can find nearby markets through the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association or Minnesota Grown websites.
The next Farm-to-Fun Day at the New Ulm Farmers Market is Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at the same location.