By GARTH SNOW

gsnow@kpcmedia.com

Fort Wayne’s Farmers Market will open its summer season May 20 in its new location outside Electric Works.

The market, which first opened in the fall of 2012, has operated from Parkview Field, 285 W. Douglas Ave., in the winter months. In recent years, summer markets have been at McCulloch Park, 1795 Broadway. FWFM will continue at Parkview Field from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through May 13.

The market will follow the same hours outside Electric Works, 1731 Lindley Ave. at Broadway.

In a Feb. 24 email to customers, FWFM said, “It’s important to note, we are still working on our agreement for the indoor space.”

FWFM said plans call for the popular Wednesday evening market to resume June 14 at that same location. The announcement did not give hours for the Wednesday evening market, but the summer hours at McCulloch in 2021 and 2022 were 3-7 p.m.

In its new home at Electric Works, parking will be free for the first 2 hours in the parking garage or the parking lots. “The convenient access for our patrons is wonderful, if you haven’t been there,” FWFM said in an email. The market said the new location has a multitude of bicycle racks. Pets are allowed on the Electric Works grounds, but signage on some buildings will indicate where pets are not allowed.

The market also plans to continue offering music at the new location.

Market founder Leigh Rowan said when she launched the market in the fall of 2012, “I had envisioned a European style of market where people would be able to browse and shop for their weekly grocery items. I also had a goal to have all local products; the farmers we work with have learned to expand the typical Indiana growing season. These farmers should always be admired for what they have been able to achieve. If you haven’t noticed, Indiana weather can be temperamental.

“Today I feel like we have obtained our European style market but exceeded our expectations by becoming a small-business incubator. From the beginning you could buy a multitude of fresh meats, vegetables and fruit. We also have vendors that sell eggs, milk, butter and cheeses. The artisan baked goods you can provide your family and friends are some of the finest.”

Vendors have developed items for personal care, accessories and household necessities and decor.

“To me it’s never been about the size of the market, but the quality of the vendors,” Rowan wrote.

“We jury in our vendors and want to assure you that we do our due diligence to make sure each vendor meets or exceeds the laws that apply to their business,” she wrote.

Rowan said Electric Works initiated a conversation about partnering with FWFM even before buying the former General Electric complex. “After they had secured the funds and had started the process they said we were the best fit for what they wanted for the property,” she wrote.

Rowan’s husband, Kevin Rowan, died March 16, 2022.

“On a personal note,” she wrote, “I want to take this moment to again thank the vendors and staff. During this past year they have allowed me to get my personal affairs in order after my husband was tragically killed in an accident. The vendors that have stuck with the FWFM and me are pure gold. For these vendors have shown the value of family by treating me like family. You probably know this, because you can feel their genuine warmth when you stop by.”

Visit ftwaynesfarmersmarket.com for a list of vendors and for other market details.