Fresh Food And Fun At The Janesville Farmer's Market

Are you looking for a place to buy locally-grown produce and goods directly from growers? In this episode of The Rocky Border, we’re going to visit the Janesville Farmer’s Market to check out all their fresh offerings. We’ll speak with some local farmers to find out what they offer and give you an idea of the amazing things you can find here.

The Janesville Farmer’s Market

When you buy a carrot from the grocery store, it’s probably covered in Monsanto's pesticides. But walking down the street to the Janesville Farmer’s Market and you can get a fresh carrot that grew the way God intended. So if you want healthy, farm-fresh local food, this is the only place to get it.

Here in Janesville just north of the border, the farmer’s market is held on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:0 pm. It's the one place where you can get locally grown and locally produced goods in one spot. You’ll find anything from food and produce to kombucha and fresh bread.

The market features a variety of vendors that each offer something special. Whether you’re looking to get groceries for tonight’s dinner, spruce up the house with fresh flowers, or want to purchase handmade soap, you’ll find it here.

Skelly’s Farm Market Booth

One of the regular vendors here in Janesville is Skelly’s Farm. Their market booth features doughnuts, corn, corn, strawberries, and all sorts of produce that they grow fresh on their farm. During the fall season, Skelly’s Farm features plenty of activities including corn mazes and playground fun for little kids. They also offer pick-your-own strawberries during strawberry season.

Skelly’s Farm Market is usually open from the last weekend of May or the first weekend in June until October 31—which is always their closing day. More information can be found on their website, including produce offered, hours, and available activities.

A New Location

We had a chance to speak with Emily Arthur, the manager of the Janesville Farmer’s Market. She explained that this is the market’s first year at their new location, and everyone is excited about the location change. It's helped the market grow and has also given people the chance to check out the new park area of Town Square that they haven't seen before.

Janesville is truly a local market, and they only allow vendors that sell their own products. Everything is grown locally, and there’s a good mix of farmers each week to provide plenty of options. Sometimes there will be an amazing microgreens vendor while other weeks include fresh mushrooms. Emily loves that many vendors will give her unusual or new things to try, and she’s happy to taste test the products at the market.

With the new location, the market reached out to different local businesses to partner in the fun—including Gray Brewing and Barkley’s Burgers, Brews, and Dogs. It’s a great way to draw the community and have a great time.

Gray Brewing Company

Gray Brewing Company is a local brewery that’s in its first year at the farmer’s market. They started in 1856, with Jake and Sarah Gray set to become the sixth generation of owners.  They’re pleased to be able to join the market and have the opportunity to talk with everyone in the community.

Jake says the best beer for a hot day is their Blood Orange Radler, though they have many different varieties of beers. One of their favorites is their Oatmeal Stout and Busted Knuckle, which is a great Irish ale. Another of Gray’s brews is Honey Ale, one of their biggest beers from back in the day that’s still alive and kicking. Another local favorite is their Rock Hard Red, a beer that tastes like a raspberry soda.

Regardless of what your taste is, there’s something for you at Gray Brewing Company. If you have any questions, you can reach out to them on their Facebook page and they’ll be happy to connect.

Farm Fresh Fare

Now that you have a good idea of what goes on here at the Janesville Farmers Market, make sure you come and check it out for yourselves. It’s located in downtown Janesville at Town Square. With so many vendors and amazing offerings, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.

If you have any questions about the Janesville Farmer’s Market or the area in general, feel free to reach out to me and I’d be happy to help. You can also subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of The Rocky Border, the one show that focuses on living in and around the Illinois Wisconsin border. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!