Community Spotlight: Farmers Market Focuses on Fresh Foods

Fresh food…local farmers…and lots of fun….The Bemidji Natural Choice Farmers Market is drawing quite a crowd. Each Tuesday and Saturday, people stroll the streets of Bemidji for fresh produce and handmade crafts. The first market started in Bemidji in the early 70s, and now the Natural Choice Market gives people from the surrounding area a chance to connect with local farmers each week. Farmers market patrons say the focus on fresh foods is what makes the market so successful. Market Vice Chairman Jeff Molnar says, “We could see as the years went by that the customers were wanting to have that more and more. They’re looking for it and of course it’s the healthiest way.” And paired with that fresh food, is the chance to connect with other people in the community. The market provides music and encourages people to gather, interact, and get to know each other.