The Goodhue Farmers’ Market saw some changes last year with a new location, vendors and entertainment. An undertaking of the Goodhue Chamber of Commerce, the experience continues to improve and flourish. The market opened for the 2025 season on July 9th, and will be set up in the Lion’s parking lot every Wednesday from 3:30-6:30 pm through September. There will be no market on August 6th due to the Goodhue County Fair.
“We are taking things up a notch this year (with) more food trucks, and entertainment every Wednesday,” promised recently elected chamber president, Shannon Harrell. A special Kids’ day theme July 23rd featured the MN Twins mascot, TC Bear. The mascot was very popular, as was face painting and the unexpected fun of splashing in puddles and running through water in the street after a pouring rain. The sun came out and a festive atmosphere dominated the market with live music provided by Greg Taylor. KWNG radio was also live, broadcasting interviews with Miss Goodhue royalty and other visitors. The Goodhue Lions food truck, The Depot and Fiesta Mexicana offered a variety of on-site food choices.
Weekly take-home choices include in-season vegetables, meats, eggs, preserves and baked goods. You can also pick up specialty coffee or even a customized hat. The market offers the Power of Produce (POP) Club. The program is for children ages 4-12 and seniors age 60+. POP participants receive a $2.00 token to spend on fresh fruits or vegetables just for signing up. Supporting your local farmers’ market encourages healthy choices, social interaction and stimulates the community’s economy.
Lauren Buck is a new vendor at the market this year. A casual conversation while on a road trip with a friend led Lauren to acquire some sourdough starter. She describes her first attempts as “Not so successful”. She continued to experiment until she felt she had the process, “Down to a science”. The dental hygienist-turned stay at home mom to a 7-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl decided to get her Cottage License from the MN Department of Ag and start selling her creations under the name, Buck & Dough Artisan Bread.
Preparing for the market is a 2.5-3 day process for Buck. She starts her creations Monday evening, combining ingredients for regular sourdough bread, cinnamon bread and rolls, herb breads, and a buttery croissant version. She also makes peanut butter and chocolate chip varieties of cookies, baking everything in her home kitchen’s double ovens. Product prices range from $8/dozen cookies to $10-$14 loaves of bread to $20 for a dozen cinnamon rolls. Her first week at the Goodhue market, she sold out in 45 minutes. She increased her inventory from 20 loaves to 35 loaves and 19 dozen cookies, selling out again the second week.
Assisted by her mother, Linnae Carlson, Lauren will be at the Goodhue Farmers’ Market every week except August 27 th. If you miss the opportunity to purchase from Lauren at the market, you can email her at buckanddoughartisanbread@gmail.com for a custom order. She continues to experiment with new flavors and has offers to appear at future events such as Sargeants Fall Fest and the Red Wing Holiday Stroll.
Vendors, food trucks and entertainment vary each week. Watch the Goodhue Farmers Market Facebook page for updates.
