ENM Farmers Market taking root

The Elko New Market Farmers Market is putting down roots at the End Zone Bar & Grill parking lot. Located at 10491 E 260th St, along Scott County Road 2, the market offers a variety of items.

"It’s a really good spot," said Sheila Stanton of Northfield, who grew up in Elko. Her daughter Megan is running the farmers market. "We have signs out for it and a lot of nice products and a lot of good vegetables," added Stanton.

The farmers market will be in the parking lot on Thursdays from 3-7 p.m. until October. Megan is among those offering various produce including jams and other canned goods. She said this was the third Thursday the farmers market has been there.

Also offering produce were Mai Xiong and Neng Cha of North Minneapolis and Hu Her of Mai Moua Garden from St. Paul. Her has been at the market for three weeks. He said, "I‘d say it’s going good."

"I saw there was a farmers market and decided to get some fresh vegetables," said Brian Edwards of Northfield. He and his son Bennett, age 3 and-a-half, looked over some of the items, buying some produce from Her.

Among the vendors was Paul Hoks of Eagan. He noted they offer home made breads and pies including apple, rhubarb, peach, carrot and apricot brandy cinnamon raisin. Different items are chew items for dogs, such as elk horns. "They are an excellent source for nutrients and they last a very long time," said Hoks. His wife has been operating the business for three years.

Besides produce there were meals available. Jennifer Johnson of Belle Plaine was frying up egg rolls on site. She was also offering cream cheese wontons, beef lo mein and spring rolls.

Bruce Smith had bird houses for sale. He explained the zigzag adds to airflow for the houses, which are durable. "I can do any team or any theme," said Smith. The colors and fixtures on the houses represent such teams as the Vikings and Green Bay Packers.

The farmers market had been done in Elko New Market a few years ago. At that time it was located near the intersection of Scott County Roads 91 and 2. Sheila Stanton said it was a dusty area. "This area should help us out a lot," she said of the new spot.

"I would love to get some old time music out there," she said. "Right now we’re just trying to get started."