By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The Salina Farm and Art Market (SF&AM) had a strong showing of people for opening day of its 2025 season.
Despite concerns of the weather, the SF&AM showed up and showed out with 22 vendors and live entertainment. Executive Director of the SF&AM, Leslie Bishop commented that she was "thrilled" with the turnout of opening day.
"We could not be more thrilled with the turnout this morning", said Bishop. Lots of familiar faces, but many new faces showed up today and everyone here seems to be happy."
According to Bishop, there were about 5 to 6 new vendors who made an appearance on Saturday. A total of 32 vendors registered for the SF&AM, with 11 of them being brand new to the market. Children can also join in on the fun with the "Kids zone," which is an addition to the market.
Community organizations are invited as well, and the Smoky Hill River Festival will be at the market every Saturday (before Thursday, June 12th) selling entry wristbands for $15 and t-shirts ($15 for adults and $10 for children).
Featured Vendors
"We bring the coffee shop to you," says the Finches who are the owners of Free Bird Coffee Co. They are a mobile espresso cart based in Salina, with full service and custom flavored espresso based beverages. According to co-owner Elizabeth Finch, Free Bird not only serves at farmer's markets but weddings, baby showers, corporate events, employee/teacher appreciations, family reunions and much more.
Mrs. Finch's husband and co-owner, Samuel has been working in the coffee industry for over 10 years and both met at a coffee shop.
"Coffee is very much apart of our life and what we do, so we are very passionate about bringing good quality coffee into small private spaces," said Mrs. Finch.
Free Bird Coffee offers freshly roasted recipes before each event they show up to. For more information, go to https://www.freebirdcoffeeco.com/
Third generation farmer, Anne Serrault brings 100% grass-fed, black angus beef to the SF&AM. The Serrault Family Farm has a history going all way back to 1980, where Anne Serrault wanted to buy her grandmother's farm when she was 17. Anne's grandmother used to sell farm grown eggs in Salina and Anne is continuing her legacy with organic beef and eggs.
"I operate 600 acres of land, over 100 head of cattle, 30 head of goats and 100 chickens," said Serrault. This beef we sell is not the beef you get from big-packers at the stores and I truly believe everyone should buy directly from farmers. It keeps our dollars local and customers know exactly where their products are coming from, which then builds long-lasting relationships."
Serrault Family Farm also sells their products at Prairieland Market in Downtown Salina.
All other vendors that made an appearance were:
AJ Honey Farms, Bibliophiles Kitchen Cakes and things, Black Kettle Meals, Comfort Cravings, Haley's Eco Heaven, Home Fresh Baking (Robyn Shultz), Leo's Treats, Little Arrows, Mama's Freeze Dried Pantry, Rooted by Faith Designs, Salt & Light Homestead, Sam's Baked Goods, Shroom Mates, Sizzlin' Seeds, Suru's Garden, The Refillery, Vail Family Farm and Wind River Farm.
Every Saturday until October 18th
The SF&AM will be open and operated every Saturday from 7:30 am - 11:00 am. Saturday, October 18th will be the last for the 2025 season.
To apply on being a vendor at the market or for more information about the SF&AM, go to https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket