If you’re ever in want of homemade treats and trinkets, the Oshkosh Farmers Market is the perfect place for you.

Held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, the downtown area  comes to  life as people mill around the 130+ vendors who sell produce, baked goods, freshly cut flowers, crafts and much more.

The summer market, located in the 400 and 500 blocks of N. Main Street and the 100 block of Church Avenue, runs through Oct. 29. In the winter, an indoor market takes place in the Oshkosh Arena, so you never have to miss out on supporting local families and businesses. The winter market recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary and is open on select Saturdays beginning in November from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Daily Meal ranked the Oshkosh Farmers Market as one of the top in the country 2013-17, and the market has won the “best local family event” seven times since 2012. With a rating of 8.5/10 on Foursquare, the market is definitely a fan favorite. 

Michelle Schultz has been the market manager for the past four and a half years, coming into the position with 13 years of vendor experience. 

“The market started 20 years ago with just 10 vendors.” states Schultz, “It was small enough to fit in a parking lot!”

There’s a little something for everyone at the market. Not interested in produce? No problem! There’s plenty of live music to pass the time. Craving a sweet treat? The market has you covered there, too.

“Local food producers allow you to support your friends and family. Plus, you know exactly where you’re getting your food from. I think that’s super important.” 

“The market is focused on agriculture. However, there’s a place for everyone in the community,” Schultz said after being asked what makes the market stick out from others. 

“Everyone is welcome. We sponsor lots of special events and community projects. Music and art is a huge part of the market as well. The community supports the market; it’s a little different every week.”

The market has been around since 1994 fostering “the commercial, social and community well-being existing in the Oshkosh area,” according to their mission statement. 

“The market really brings the downtown alive on Saturday mornings; it helps connect the city. Before the farmers market, nothing really happened downtown,” said Schultz as she reminisced on a time before the market. 

The lively and unique environment is an amazing way to spend your Saturday morning. Whether you’re going alone or with a group of friends, you’re destined to find something you love about the Oshkosh Farmers Market, and you’re unlikely to be going home empty handed.