Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean consumers shouldn’t be able to enjoy shopping for local produce, artisanal goods and homemade treats. The Wheeler Historic Farm’s Sunday Winter Market features a variety of vendors that provide fun items to make the winter months more enjoyable. 

Held at Wheeler Historic Farm’s Outdoor Education Center (6351 S. 900 East) on the south side of the property, the market offers handcrafted breads and pastries, locally sourced honey, handmade crafts and gifts and fresh produce. The market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 24. 

“The winter market is a local bounty of flavors, colors and crafts,” said Jane Wylie, winter market coordinator. “From farm-fresh produce to artisanal delights, the market offers something for everyone.” 

Chad Midgley, owner of Chad’s Produce, has been involved with farmers markets for 25 years, selling citrus fruits and other produce. He has 11 greenhouses, heated only by compost, that allows him to grow fresh food all year. Although he’s participated in the Wheeler Farm summer market, this is his first year doing the winter event. 

“We checked it out last year and saw how well it was supported and decided to come join in,” Midgley said. “It allows us to supplement our income, so we don’t have to drain our income until the summer markets.”

It’s also the first time Amanda Francis has been a vendor at the farm’s winter market. As the owner of Shed Antler Dog Chews, Francis gathers dropped antlers from deer and elk across the region to sell to pet owners for their dogs. 

“The antlers last a long time; they clean [a dog’s] teeth and they have lots of vitamins and minerals in them,” she said. “They’re safe and nutritious, and they don’t leave a mess.”

For Saruul, owner of Munchy Macarons, the farmers market is a way to build not only customers but community. She traveled to France to learn the art of baking macarons. After hundreds of trial-and-error recipes, she perfected her cookie.

Available in a variety of flavors, including lemon, strawberry, blueberry and pistachio, the gluten-free treat is a hit at the market. She was a vendor at the summer market and couldn’t wait to sign up for the winter option. 

“We love it. It’s a community,” Saruul said. “In the summer, we were so sad because it was the end of the market. But we’re glad to be here. All the other vendors are so nice. It’s just cozy.”

“As the seasons change, our market remains a thriving hub, offering an incredible range of locally sourced treasures,” Wylie said. 

For more information, visit slco.org/wheeler-farm.