Support Local at the Chisholm Trail Museum’s Wednesday Farmers Market

By Laura Lombardi

Fresh vegetables, locally raised beef and the opportunity to support Kansas producers await visitors each Wednesday evening at the Chisholm Trail Museum’s mini farmers market.

Now in its second summer season, the market is held on the museum’s front lawn from 5 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday. Organizers hope the weekly event continues to grow as more residents discover the opportunity to shop locally and support area farmers and ranchers.

Flying Toad Farm of Oxford brings a variety of fresh produce each week, with selections based on what’s ready for harvest. Depending on the season, shoppers can find tomatoes, onions, potatoes, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers and other garden-fresh vegetables.

Also returning is Patty and Allan Maze of Maze Ranch near Medicine Lodge, who offer a variety of cuts of their homegrown, grass-fed beef. Their USDA-inspected beef is dry-aged for 21 days, a process that enhances both flavor and tenderness.

“We believe that growing them on pasture, 120-plus days on a corn ration and the dry aging is the secret to the most ‘aMAZEing’ beef you will ever eat,” Patty Maze said.

In addition to purchasing individual cuts at the Wednesday market, customers can also order beef by the whole, half, quarter, bundle or individual cuts through Maze Ranch.

“We believe more than ever that it is extremely important to shorten the distance between you and the food you need for your family,” Patty said. “Come to the Museum and help support a Kansas rancher!”

Whether you’re picking up fresh vegetables for dinner, stocking the freezer with locally raised beef, or simply enjoying a summer evening in the community, the weekly market offers an easy way to support local agriculture and help a growing community tradition continue to flourish.