On the Square

Dane County Farm Market. 5/24/25 dwm

We visited the Dane County Farmer's Market for the first time this year last Saturday.

My wife bought me a potato doughnut. She also bought a bunch of rhubarb to make a cake.

I kept up, toting a camera, looking for shots. The Farmer's Market on the Capitol Square is special because in addition to the spectacular array of fruits, flowers, and vegetables, you have an endless stream of people circling the square. (Editor's note - is that even possible?)

Just a few of many shoppers. 5/24/25 dwm

Then there is the capitol. It's the focal point and a picturesque backdrop. I didn't see anyone exercising their first amendment rights to speak on any issue but there were several advocacy groups represented by one or two individuals sitting at a card table ready to answer questions.

There is more than food and other agricultural products. Lining State Street were dozens of stands selling their wares and on the outside of the square you could see a variety of vendors.

One cleverly used sidewalk chalk to write, "Bags and pillows" on the road with a series of arrows pointing across the street to the stand. The chalk idea worked because when the Farmer's Market is in session a few buses make up most of the traffic.

The view from West Wash. 5/24/25

The first stand we looked at when we arrived featured hundreds, if not thousands, of photos ready for framing. The photographer noticed my camera and we talked about shooting. I was impressed with his photos and by the modest prices, some of the five by seven photos sold for $5 each.

Early in the day is the best time to visit, it isn't as crowded at 8:30 as it will be later. Going early also means vendors have more product on hand and for the fresh-picked or fresh-made items, the earlier the better. Being early is also the best time to find a place to park, we usually use a city parking garage just off the square.

You can buy meat from the farmer that raised the animal. You can see honeybees behind the glass at one of many beekeeper booths on the square featuring local honey.

The Farmer's Market on the Square started in 1972, with just one rule, products sold must be made or harvested in Wisconsin. You can find the market every Saturday from April to November, maybe we'll see you.