DAVIS COUNTY—There’s no doubt about it: grocery stores are convenient. A butcher shop, a bakery, assorted foods, and many times clothes, home goods and more can all be found under one roof. In the past few years, however, a movement has been sweeping the entire globe by storm, and it has affected Utah powerfully. 

With around 50 listed farmers markets around the state, and certainly more that aren’t listed, it’s clear that Utahns love going to their local farmers market. Why is that, though? With the convenience of grocery stores, why do people turn out in droves for farmers markets, sometimes weekly, for these local products?

Pamela Cannon, chief organizer and operator of the North Salt Lake Vendor Fair gave some insight into what draws vendors and attendees to her particular event. “People really want to know their neighbors,” said Cannon, saying that the sense of community is what draws many together for a market like the one in North Salt Lake.

It isn’t just those attending either that feel that sense of community. Cannon explained that many of the vendors have developed genuine friendships through working together, side-by-side over the years at the vendor fair. They help one another set up, and take down, sometimes rapidly in inclement weather, though Cannon did point out, they’re always looking for more volunteers. 

In North Salt Lake at least, it’s been a way to give back to the community as well. Cannon shared that recently, she has instituted a small vendor fee which is collected, and used to buy school supplies that are given to parents and kids that need them for the upcoming school year. It’s an old-fashioned idea of bringing the community together, but one that needs to, and is making a comeback.

In Bountiful, things are very similar. Despite a rainy day, the weather cleared, and vendors and community members alike turned out to support one another, and the farmers market. Angie Pitt, the director of the Bountiful market said that while there are things unique to Bountiful, there is one thing that she feels makes each farmers market the same.

“We’ve missed gathering as a community,” Pitt said, speaking of the recent pandemic-era shutdowns. Like everywhere else, there was a desperate need for communities to come together following that isolation during shutdown, and the Bountiful farmers market provides a fantastic opportunity to do just that for both attendees and vendors alike. 

That’s not all, either. Community and connection may bring people out, but the quality products and produce keep them coming back. “Our vendors want to reflect the community we’re all a part of,” said Pitt, and walking through the market, it showed. Vendors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to farm fresh produce, and specialty snacks all turned out and really brought their A-game.

The market in Bountiful is thriving. Pitt mentioned how they have a handful of regulars that come every week, and a handful of other vendors that rotate through, with a substantial waiting list for those wanting to join in. Because it’s been so successful, Pitt says the city definitely wants to see it continue to thrive, and to grow for both the local economy as well as the community.

And, if these examples are to be believed, that’s what it’s all about. Despite being out in the elements, the sometimes higher prices, and limited selection, people turn out in droves to farmers markets across the state, and across the country to connect with each other, and with the vendors. 

Not only can they make these great connections with people in their community, but market goers can also find unique artisan foods, crafts and clothing made by passionate people nearby. They can source local produce that comes, in many cases, from farm to table. They can support local farmers and businesses whose singular products may not be on grocery store shelves, but are very worthy of recognition.

One thing is for sure: farmers markets aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and those in Davis County are no exception. From North Salt Lake to Bountiful to Layton and all those around the state, there are many opportunities between now, and the fall to go out, meet some people, be well entertained, well fed, and find some amazing products.