CHENEY — The Cheney Farmers Market is now being held at Veterans Memorial Park, 612 Fourth St., on the second and fourth Saturday of every month until Oct. 14.
Once held on First Street, the Cheney Farmers Market hosts a range of local vendors from around the city and across the West Plains.
Colbie Monter, 17, is the Market Coordinator and facilitates communications among vendors and organizes each event.
“This will be my first year doing this and it’s been great fun. Our first market opened in July of 2023 and it was rewarding after such a long hiatus,” Monter said.
Monter went on to say that she feels the market will only grow from here, attracting more vendors and community support over the season.
“I wanted a project to occupy my summer and I had done farmers markets before with my mom, so this seemed like a good fit. Community members seemed to really want their farmers market back, so that’s what we did!” Monter said.
The first market event in July had about 10 vendors, according to Monter, and she says she won’t be surprised if they get more in the future.
“I think it’s really important for young people to be involved with their communities; they’re more connected and a lot of good comes from involvement,” Monter reflected.
Mindy Poindexter, of Poindexter Farms just south of Cheney on Sterling Road, is a vendor of the Farmers Market and raises heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers.
“We also have a garden and orchard full of organically raised seasonal veggies, berries and fruit,” Poindexter said.
“We love the Cheney Farmers Market because of the welcoming atmosphere! Colbie (Monter) has really worked hard to make this market a success. The conversations are wonderful and we meet people of all ages, answer their questions, and enjoy their experiences with gardening in the Cheney area,” Poindexter said.
Poindexter said that the park setting definitely makes the market a family-friendly event.
Another vendor, Merlin Wibbenmeyer of Reka’s Acres Lavender, has participated in the Cheney markets since 2020, said that the company is very happy to be participating again.
“We were very happy that Colbie picked up the gauntlet to organize a market this summer. It meant we could hopefully see some of our regular customers again,” Wibbenmeyer said.
“The new location is very nice and offers an all-around enjoyable place to shop local and meet up with friends and talk to members of the community,” Wibbenmeyer said.
A Town & Country Floral, full-service florist, has been involved with Cheney Farmers market for 4 years, according to owner Sabrina Bosch.
“Unfortunately, 2 years we got to have it and then the pandemic hit. It came back and I was not involved, but I am very happy we have our Farmers Market Back,” Bosch said.
Bosch will be involved with the market until it ends in October, saying “We signed up for the whole time!”
“To be honest, this market is also an advertising opportunity for a small business, so we take advantage of the time to show off beautiful flowers,” Bosch said.
Allan Gainer, on behalf of Mindful Me Farms, said that “We’re from Cheney and we want to help promote healthier food and lifestyle choices in the community.”
This is Mindful Me Farms first year participating in the market, in fact, they just opened in April of this year.
They specialize in hydroponically grown vegetables and herbs at their indoor growing facility on Lance Hill Road.
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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