Siloam Springs Farmers Market set to open April 28

Main Street Siloam Springs said it will open its outdoor Siloam Springs Farmers Market on Tuesday, April 28 at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The market will also be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning May 2.  Tuesday.

On opening day the market will host LORE, a local band, from 5 to 7 p.m. and a mobile SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Unit will be on site the entire evening to help register eligible families for SNAP/EBT services. Those who receive SNAP/EBT benefits may purchase tokens at the market to use to pay the farmers for eggs, meat, produce and baked goods all season. The market also participates in a Double Dollar program that provides funds to match SNAP/EBT purchases. The matching program usually begins in early summer.

The new hours for the Tuesday market are a result of survey responses from market customers in 2014.

“Of 169 responses, 94% of people indicated they would prefer evening hours,” said Main Street Siloam Springs executive director Meredith Bergstrom. “We’re excited to offer more convenient hours to our community during the work week. We hope that people enjoy shopping after work and can go home with fresh, local products to cook for dinner.”

This year market is also partnering with the Benton County Master Gardeners to host second Saturday Kids Days every month, as well as planning a full calendar of events with special programs every Saturday, said market manager Stacy Hester.

The market expects to feature live music, chef demonstrations, a bike day and special booths like knife sharpening once a month, according to the release.