Columbus Farmers Market looks to add local vendors, offer more local products

COLUMBUS - Where can folks in the Columbus area shop for locally-made fresh produce, meat, baked goods, handmade soap, furniture and more?

At the weekly Farmers Market at Market 23.

“Everything is a local product," store manger Shirley Enquist said.  "Nothing was just ordered and shipped in already made.  When you come here to shop, you’re getting something that somebody locally made and you’re keeping the money here in Columbus."

Market 23 said it's holding the event every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. through the end of October.  During that time, anyone can shop for products that the store said are made in or near Platte County.

Enquist said they want to provide that opportunity so people can support local business.

“We want to make an extra effort to support our own local people and provide things for people here to keep this community going,” she said.

As for doing business during the pandemic, Market 23 said it's following federal guidelines to help keep customers safe.

“Each of the vendors disinfect their surfaces, they got hand sanitizer available, the vendors that are outside are spaced out,” Enquist said.

Market 23 said in the four weeks it has held the event, it's grown from one vendor to around five.  Enquist said they want to see it grow even more, so if you're a local merchant, Market 23 will be happy to carry your goods.

Anyone interested can call coordinator Karmen Thompson at (402) 270-0966.