The City of Mineola Main Street Farmers Market is in full swing, open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market opened on Saturday, May 23 with a half dozen vendors. The regular season opening would have been the first Saturday in May, but the market’s regular vendors exercised an abundance of caution for their as well as their customers’ health in waiting to open on Memorial Day weekend. 

Last week saw a full market with 11 vendors, all selling food items, in the pavilion just west of the Depot at 101 Front Street. Only food vendors are being accepted at this time for the market, which is free for the vendors. However, food vendors can include a few art and craft items at their tables if they choose. During the midst of the COVID-19 shutdowns, farmers markets were allowed to be open because they are an essential source of food.

The city is asking that vendors and customers wear masks, though they are not required. Vendors are required to fill out an application and sign a COVID-19 waiver. The city also asks that vendors take necessary precautions to keep their customers and themselves safe from COVID-19. Hand sanitizer for the public is available at the market. Customers are requested not to linger in the pavilion.

Saturday the Main Street Farmers Market saw farm raised eggs, chicken and beef; as well as a good selection of fresh vegetables; and homemade jams and jellies, pickles and other home-canned foods; baked goods and even tamales. There were also herbs and herb plants, large and small, at both weekend’s markets.

If the number of food vendors grows, those vendors who exceed the number that can safely be set up in the pavilion will be allowed to set up in the area surrounding the pavilion. Market management asks those vendors who bring only fruits and vegetables to bring only those grown in northeast Texas.

Anyone interested in participating in the market can contact Doris Newman at 903-569-6183 or by email at mainstreet@mineola.com.