This year, our market was named one of America's Favorite Farmers Markets! We couldn't be more proud and honored to wrap up the 2023 season this way.
In September, American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition announced the winners of the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, a national event honoring the role of farmers markets that ran between June 21 – September 18, 2023. Markets receiving the most public votes are declared the national winners. The celebration also recognizes top markets in five regions nationwide and in all 50 states.
More than 2,000 markets nationwide participated in the 2023 celebration with over ten million supporters engaged through voting, visiting the celebration website, and engaging with the celebration on social media. The Burke Area Farmers Market was the top vote earner in South Dakota.
The Burke Area Farmers Market has been growing healthy food, families, and communities since 2012. Director Kelsea Kenzy Sutton said:
“Even though we love all of South Dakota’s farmers markets, we are so pleased and honored to be recognized by people who love us for being a special space in our state. We consistently get comments that our vendors and events rival much larger urban markets. Now, even more people will know about our mission and our values.”
“America’s farmers markets serve communities from coast to coast, providing access to fresh, healthy food and building opportunity for farmers,” said David Thayer, American Farmland Trust’s Director of Marketing, Outreach and Digital Communications. “It is a pleasure to host the Celebration and witness the incredible support for local food around the nation. On behalf of everyone at American Farmland Trust, congratulations to all the national, regional, and state winners!”
“The Farmers Market Coalition has been delighted to join forces with American Farmland Trust for another round of country-wide farmers market appreciation,” said Ben Sloane, Farmers Market Coalition Communications Manager. “America’s Farmers Market Celebration continues to be a great opportunity for markets to engage with their communities, spotlight their vendors and grant market goers the chance to illustrate their love and appreciation for all the benefits and joy their local farmers markets provide.”
Since 2008, the celebration has highlighted the important role farmers markets play in American communities and our larger food system. Farmers markets are on the leading edge of educating consumers about where food comes from and reinforce AFT’s message of No Farms, No Food. They foster direct relationships between community members and farmers to help create a more fair, sustainable, and just food system. Participating in the Celebration is a way for people to come together and support their communities and local food producers.
