Farmers market season is here in Oklahoma, and local vendors are gearing up to deliver fresh produce and homemade products to their communities. Some are open this weekend as well.
Kendall Whittier Square hosts a farmers market twice a month during the winter, but the market's most popular time starts tomorrow.
Making pottery requires concentration.
“It’s a lot like being in the zone when you’re playing a game or playing basketball,” Grant Akiyama said.
For Grant, it's a way to connect with the community.
“Meeting someone and using something that person has created really enriches your daily experience,” he said.
Before the studio's storefront, there was only one way for Grant and his partner Mariah to share these handcrafted bowls and mugs.
“When we actually started working in the garage, the farmers market gave us energy,” Akiyama says.
“Farmers markets are for everyone,” said Chris Hutt, executive director of the farmers market.
She's looking forward to welcoming people back to Kendall Whittier Square, especially now that strawberry season is approaching.
“There's nothing like fresh, ripe strawberries,” Hutt said.
Hutt said the market, which features more than 70 vendors, is more than just a place to get food, it's a bond.
“We're a year-round market, but when spring comes around and everyone really gets into the growing season, we get really excited,” Hutt said.
“It's pretty hard to wake up at 5 or 4 in the morning and get everything there and pack it up at the end of the day,” Akiyama said.
Although it's a lot of work, Grant says the joy of connecting with Tulsans through his craft is worth it.
Organizers want people to know that farmers markets here are a great way to get fresh food for your family because you can receive double the value of your SNAP benefits.
