SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
So many farmers are feeling the effects of the drought this year, but this week at Sioux City's farmers market, folks got a chance to celebrate the successful year they've had near the Tyson Events Center.
Market officials say vendors are outselling their previous year's pace, when flood conditions caused a weak May and early June.
Another added that a lot of the vendors have been using irrigation on their crops, so their numbers are staying strong so far.
In fact, they think this could be the best year for sales in the last five years.
"Every year, we're growing, every week, we're growing," said Roger Caudron of the Sioux City Farmers Market. "And especially with the weather coming around, it's getting a little bit bigger yet for the summer."
It was a special day for both young and old at the market. As shoppers browsed the fresh selections of homegrown and hand-picked products, they were treated to a number of live entertainment options for National Farmers Market Week.
A magician performed every half hour, and those entering the gates were able to sample some fresh salsas made by Siouxland chefs for Sassy Salsa Saturday.
All of the ingredients came right from the farmers market. Plus, another local organization that's been hit hard was helped out by the farmers and customers.
"The food bank will come down here at the end of the day and take the leftovers and put them to good use," said Caudron. "Rather than having them go back out into the fields or get tossed away."
Officials say the area continues to be a popular hang out place. Caudron says breakfast and lunch options have also led to an increase in crowd size.
The farmers market will run through the end of October.
