Prairie Farmers Market
By Heather Rule
The Prairie Farmers Market will enter its third season in 2026. It’s open throughout the summer from 3-6 p.m. on Fridays at the Parkers Prairie City Park. The day/time of the market makes it a great place for out-of-town visitors to stop on their way into the area for the weekend or on the way to the cabin. It’s also perfect for families spending an afternoon at the nearby aquatic center, who can then stop at the market on their way home.
The market hosts an average of a dozen vendors each week, all located within 30 miles of Parkers Prairie. They sell an array of local goods, crafts, and food. Shoppers can browse varieties of meats, eggs, vegetables, home-baked goods, and canned goods.
Market manager Meghan Jahnke moved to the area in 2021 and saw a need in the community for this market and to provide local food options. With her background in regenerative and sustainable agriculture, she “saw it as a perfect opportunity to get to know my community, but then also to support and bring local food access here to Parkers Prairie that’s high quality.”
Local crafters and musicians are also on site, showcasing their art and performances.
Prairie Farmers Market uniquely features community workshops for all ages. For example, in 2025, they held a Preserve the Harvest workshop for people to learn how to can their own vegetables. Kids can get in on the fun, too, with arts and crafts days at the market. Jahnke is looking to expand the workshop offerings, too.
Visitors can expect more of the same in the farmers market’s third season in 2026. Their out-of-season, indoor markets are held at Thousand Lakes Brewing Company. Jahnke hopes to see a continued growing interest from more vendors and community members so the market can keep growing.
“It’s been overwhelmingly positive feedback,” Jahnke said. “Everyone’s really impressed by the quality and affordability, specifically.”
The market is more affordable than others in the area, Jahnke said, and it also accepts SNAP EBT payments.
“We do find that local, quality food access is a priority for our market, and it’s important for me that it’s accessible to everyone,” Jahnke said.
