The Fort Atkinson Farmers Market is making an historic transition in becoming its own entity as a 501c3 non-profit organization. What began as a small group of vendors meeting to bring locally made goods to the community has grown to become a cherished part of our local traditions.

The Fort Farmer’s Market has gone through several transitions since its humble beginnings in 2002. Its quick growth necessitated a move to organize under the Tourism Department, and then became a project under the guidance of the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce. After 22 years, its continued growth and sustained success has led to becoming its own entity in 2024.

This transition is being led by the Market Manager, Aimee Leonard, who joined the Market’s team one year ago, with full support from the Chamber of Commerce during this transition. Leonard says that “The Farmers Market is a unique embodiment of our community spirit and the transition to a 501c3 will provide ample opportunity for it to not only keep with the traditions we already value, but will allow the community to become even more involved in building on those strong foundations together. Vendors, Sponsors, and Community Stakeholders will all have voices through representation on the nonprofit's board of directors, which will shape the Market’s future direction.”

“On behalf of the City of Fort Atkinson, we wish the Farmers Market continued success as a 501c3 non-profit organization under the strategic direction of its own Board of Directors. We look forward to continuing to partner with and support the Farmers Market for decades to come,” said Rebecca Houseman, City Manager. 

    Anna Lecher, Marketing Manager of Fort HealthCare, noted that, “Fort HealthCare is a proud sponsor of the Fort Atkinson Farmers Market. The Market allows for greater access to locally-grown and produced food, which correlates with our mission statement of improving the Health and Well-being of our community. We’re excited to see our community members at the Market this season.”

    John Kutz, Chamber of Commerce Board President, commented “The Fort Atkinson Farmers Market’s ability to stand as its own organization is an exciting achievement and this will allow our staff to continue to focus on the mission and purpose of our Chamber to promote and maintain a strong business community in the Fort Atkinson Area. The transition to a 501c3 will also allow for more sponsorship opportunities to the Market and provide a better opportunity for direct representation and involvement by the community and vendors in the Market.”

Some of the most noticeable changes the community will see this year is a new website featuring market updates, feedback opportunities, and a refined application process for potential vendors. It will also include a calendar of events that will inform the public of which vendors are signed up to vend on a specific week, the musicians that will be playing, and more.  The website is fortfarmersmarket.com.

The Fort Atkinson Farmers Market operates the Winter Market (held the first Saturday of each month January-April at Purdy Elementary School this year), the Summer Market (held each Saturday in the public parking lot across from the Post Office from the beginning of May to the end of October), an Evening in the Garden (a festival atmosphere held in collaboration with Blodgett’s Garden Center), and the Holiday Market (held the first Saturday in December).