Holly Robertson (right) with 5 R Farm chats with shoppers at the Reinbeck Farmer’s Market on Sept. 4. Robertson offers a selection of flowers, produce and locally grown honey at her market stand each week. Photo by Darvin Graham

Throughout the summer shoppers in the Reinbeck area have enjoyed a weekly farmer’s market that takes place each Saturday on Broad Street in Reinbeck.

The market was founded in 2019 and returned to full operation this summer after a much more limited offering in 2020.

One of the key organizers for the market is Holly Robertson of rural Reinbeck. She and her husband Ben own and operate the Dig Inn bar and record store in downtown Reinbeck.

Robertson also operates a small organic farm called 5 R Farm where she grows produce and flowers. She primarily sells through the farmer’s market and a community supported agriculture (CSA) direct service.

Robertson also keeps bees and offers honey along with the rest of her colorful selection of goods.

Holly Robertson tends to her flowers a one of the farmer’s market events this summer in downtown Reinbeck. Robertson and her husband Ben also own and operate the Dig Inn bar, which is usually open along with the farmer’s market for visitors to enjoy. Contributed photo

A newcomer to the market this year is MadAcre Farms owned by Ryan and Jamine Madison of rural Gladbrook.

The two moved from Colorado and purchased a farm on F Avenue outside Gladbrook close to a year ago where they have begun growing produce.

The Madisons have been regulars at the market this year and said they’ve felt welcomed despite being new to town.

“It’s been awesome here,” Ryan said. “For a community like Reinbeck to show support of small businesses like ours is a great thing.”

The Madisons have been learning and growing a lot over the past year as they’ve been experimenting with different organic practices and introducing other elements to their operation like chickens, quails and recently pigs.

Ryan Madison (left) of MadAcre Farms visits with marketgoers at the Reinbeck Farmer’s Market on Sept. 4. Ryan and his wife Jamine moved to the area around a year ago and have established a produce farm where their goal is to provide the community with “good, clean vegetables.”

One unique item the two have been selling this year is quail eggs. Madison said the variety is popular in Colorado and tastes similar to chicken eggs with a slight gamey flavor.

Over the next year the Madisons hope to make MadAcre Farms a year-round operation.

Some other vendors at this year’s Reinbeck Farmer’s Market have included Yuko Hill, Nine Arrows Bakery, Deb Wical, Wilson’s Sweet Corn, Deb Lizer, Lacey Degener and Coneflower Confections.

The market will also serve as an anchor attraction at two upcoming downtown events in Reinbeck including the Reinbeck Art Festival on Sept. 18 and Becktoberfest on Oct. 2.

Plans for Becktoberfest include live music, Hungry Charlie’s food truck, a salsa contest and special Oktoberfest beers at the Dig Inn.

Booths line Broad Street in downtown Reinbeck each Saturday for the Reinbeck Farmer’s Market. The event is organized by a local committee and is in its third year of operation. Contributed photo

The Reinbeck Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday through October from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Broad Street. Connect with the market on Facebook at Reinbeck Farmer’s Market or by email to market50669@gmail.com.

Those interested in learning more about 5 R Farm or MadAcre Farms can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.