Feature I Saturday plans secured

Make the most of your next trip to the Farmers Market

A step-by-step guide to the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market

By Alexis Captain Marino

Like Friday night high school football games or church on Sundays, Saturday mornings are reserved for the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market. “For ten years the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market has been a premier regional venue for farmers, foodies, and artists to sell their products,” says Mark Hernandez, Park Director. “Drawing over 1200 visitors weekly, the festive atmosphere has become a Lafayette tradition.”

With more than 50 vendors congregating each week, the market is a cornucopia of local produce, handmade crafts and culinary delights. It’s a Lafayette tradition that shouldn’t be missed, so here is all you need to know about planning your day under the historic oaks of Moncus Park.

Before You Go

Preparation is key to making the most of your visit. Most vendors accept credit cards, but it doesn’t hurt to bring cash for the more traditional artisans and farmers – or for the more spontaneous purchases. It’s also a smart idea to bring your own reusable totes, not just for their practicality but as a testament to the environmental consciousness that is the essence of the market.

As with any day outing under the unforgiving Louisiana sun, slather on some sunscreen and grab a hat. Though covered by ancient oak trees, the market can get pretty hot during the summer months. Strollers and wagons are great if you have little ones or simply to haul the day’s finds, but be prepared for the gravel pathways.

Upon Arrival

Once you arrive, parking options vary, from convenient paid spots nearby to a free 30-minute stint in the gravel lot, perfect for those making a swift visit. There is also a free shuttle service from the Blackham Coliseum “Cabbage Patch” lot.

At the start of every Saturday market, around 8 a.m., the resonant ring of the Durell Bell signals the start of the day’s activities. Named in honor of former Mayor-President Joey Durell, a pivotal figure in the market’s establishment in 2013, its sound is a call to explore the local crafts, food, and music.

Enjoying the Market

The vendors are set up along the gravel pathway. From baristas to gourmet mushroom growers to grass-fed cow farmers, vendors from all over the area come out to share their fresh and handmade products and tell their stories.

Patrons line up for their favorite prepared meals and grab a seat at one of the picnic benches under the oak trees to listen to the Market Cajun Jam. The jam session is a tradition that brings together musicians of all levels to join in and play their Cajun instruments, like the accordion, fiddle or a man-made bass. The French Tent is a place for Francophiles worldwide to gather and speak Cajun or traditional French. The conversations are foreign yet familiar and add to the atmosphere of the rich local heritage.

A visit to the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market is more than a shopping trip; it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of Acadiana. It’s where each transaction tells a story, each path leads to discovery, and the shared experiences of music, laughter, and community weave into the fabric of your memories. Each Saturday is a living, breathing celebration of local culture and community spirit.

The Future of the Market

Last summer, the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market was inducted into the Fete Internationale Des Marches, making it the first market in the U.S. to receive this honor and paving the way for future expansions and improvements.

Plans for the Paul A. Doerle Sr. Farmers Market Pavilion are underway. It promises a new home for the market, complete with paved pathways, making navigation smoother for everyone. The 3,000-square-foot pavilion will add restrooms and a porch overlooking Moncus Park. The pavilion, named after Paul A. Doerle Sr., pays homage to the food service industry. Doerle was a pioneer in small produce distribution. Along with his father, he founded the nationwide Doerle Food Services and was a pillar of the Acadiana community.

Sidebar:

The Schumacher family is generously funding the pavilion:

“My parents believed that to whom much is given, much is required. I have had many excellent “giving mentors” in my life, chief among them was my father, who inspired me and who throughout his life helped to build a community. When I learned that part of the vision for the old Horse Farm was to create a permanent covered structure for the farmers market, I thought of my father and his beginnings in the French Market of New Orleans. Immediately my family, my husband, Dr. Kip Schumacher, and the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation, and myself were on board in support of the creation.” – Carolyn Doerle Schumacher