Downtown Bradenton Farmers' Market Returns Saturday!

Join in the festivities on opening day at downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market, Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., on Main Street, between Manatee Avenue West and 4th Avenue West . 

The same day and just a few blocks away, the Manatee County Central Library will host their fourth annual Mana-Con: Comics Convention, featuring local comic shop booths, games, prizes, trivia, a costume competition, art workshops, and a student art show. 

Teens are encouraged to get creative at the Doodle Booth and origami station, or make (and eat) candy sushi. 

Parking is free and dogs on leashes are welcome. 

In addition to the special events and programs, more than 30 vendors offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. 

Market vendors will be wearing Pittsburgh Pirates baseball hats to celebrate the Pirate’s first National League playoff appearance for the first time in 21 years. 

New to the event is the  the “Chef at the Market” initiative. 

“Every month, we’re inviting the area’s best chefs to conduct cooking demonstrations and offer expert advice on turning the market’s seasonal produce into delectable dishes,” said Johnette Isham, executive director of Realize Bradenton, the non-profit organization that manages the market. 

Chef David Shiplett, owner of SOMA Creek Side, will launch the opening day program.

Realize Bradenton is also working with the Del Couch Foundation on a new feature, “Music at the Market,” a program that showcases emerging musicians. 

Upcoming Bradenton Farmers Market programs and events include:

October 12: LECOM Health Fair: Free health screenings set up by LECOM. Screenings will include blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol.

October 19: The Art of Boat Building at Mainly Art
John Beale, the Education and Volunteer Coordinator at the Florida Maritime Museum will demonstrate small boat building for folks with very little experience working with basic tools.

October 26: Creepy Crawlers! 
Investigate tiny creepy crawlers using real science tools with the South Florida Museum. Test your bravery with the Slimy Things Mystery Bucket and create your own spider web! 

November 9: Brides Against Breast Cancer
Join The Center for Building Hope in a fun and family friendly activity!   

November 16: The Art of Da Vinci’s Machines at Mainly Art
Brandon Scott of Brandon Scott Artworks will demonstrate how to create Da Vinci’s Machines evolved from sketches made by the artist. You will have the opportunity to create your own machines using simple materials.

November 23: Native American Technology  
Discover how Florida’s first people utilized their resources with Around the Bend Nature Tours. There will also be guided tours at 10:30AM and 1:00PM of downtown and the riverfront for anyone who is interested!  

December 21:  The Art of Gelli Printing at Mainly Art
Joey Long, resident artist at Keeton’s Office and Art Supply demonstrates making gelli prints, a simple process to create monoprints without a press.  

For more information about the Bradenton Farmers’ Market, visit www.bradentonfarmersmarket.com. Prospective vendors can apply by completing an online application form.