Local farmers market begins ninth season 

Betsy Ventura & Jean Baer

Betsy Ventura & Jean Baer

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2016) – The weekly Sanibel Island Farmers Market will return to Sanibel City Hall on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Located at 800 Dunlop Road, the market will be closed Christmas Day but will open on Dec. 26 for a make-up market. The market will be open on Easter Sunday.

“Our vendors are very excited to be returning to Sanibel to promote their locally produced products and wares to neighboring communities,” said Betsy Ventura, who, along with Jean Baer, owns Local Roots, LLC and will run the market each week.

Ventura and Baer also operate the Bonita Springs, Coconut Point, Fenway South, Lakes Park and FSW Farmers Markets as well as two downtown Fort Myers markets that open every Thursday in Centennial Park and Saturday starting in November in Cornog Plaza.

Baer’s son, Tyler, a graduate of the University of Florida, and Ventura’s daughter, Sims, will be joining the duo this season to assist in managing the markets.

“It is so great that our business has grown enough to bring our kids in,” Ventura said. “So many of our vendors work as a family in their small businesses, too.”

She added that the goal of each of their markets is to strengthen the surrounding community by showcasing vendors who are selling produce and artisan products that are grown or produced locally. Products are packaged by owners in an environmentally friendly way, and the locations of markets are clean and safe, and reflect a community atmosphere.

“Shopping at our markets will reduce the carbon footprint of consumerism,” she said. “There is always a well balanced offering at each market that has something for everyone.”

Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or providing live entertainment may visit www.BuyLocalLee.com.