The Paducah Homegrown Farmers’ Market isn’t just about fresh produce; it’s a gathering place for the community, providing an opportunity to connect with local growers, makers and artisans.
Situated near the floodwall at the corner of Monroe and 2nd Streets, this year’s Farmers’ Market season — running from April 20 through Oct. 12 — has offered more than just shopping; it’s become a hub of community, commerce, and culture.
Guided by a mission to foster community values and partnerships, the Paducah Farmers’ Market encourages a unique bond between local citizens, artists and craftsmen, and family farms. The market’s goal is to promote community engagement, with the hope of making Paducah a more attractive place to live, work, and play.
Emelyn Herndon, Recreation Specialist with Paducah Parks & Recreation, explained that, “Our goal is to create a connection between people and the goods they are buying and consuming,” a sentiment echoed in the market’s efforts to make fresh, local produce accessible to all through the acceptance of WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards.
Vendor participation remains at the heart of the market. This year, the Paducah Parks & Recreation Department introduced flexible registration options, allowing vendors to either commit weekly or for the full season.
“This weekly registration option has given vendors with busy schedules an affordable way to participate,” Herndon noted. It has also contributed to a higher turnout, with a total of 86 vendors participating this year, offering diverse and ever-fresh options each week.
Returning vendors are assigned pavilion spaces, while new vendors and those with pop-up tents are guided to their locations by the market manager. With an average of 30 to 35 vendors on any given week, customers have a wide selection of items to browse, including fresh produce, meats, eggs, honey, flowers, and handmade products like candles, woodworking, and wool items.
In recent years, the Paducah Farmers’ Market has evolved into a mini-festival each week, complete with food trucks, live music, and entertainment.
“The market has morphed to become not only a place to shop for locally grown and homemade goods but also to gather with family and friends in the heart of historic Downtown Paducah,” Herndon said.
That lively atmosphere has drawn an impressive crowd, with an average of 500 customers attending each week.
Local baker Cindy Hayden of Broke Girl Bread Co., now in her fifth year at the market, shared the sense of community fostered by the weekly gatherings. “We went from selling 70 loaves a week to nearly 100. It has become its own family of customers and vendors, and I miss it when it closes for the season,” she said.
This season saw a range of exciting vendors, showcasing everything from locally grown pork and chicken to hand-crafted wooden toys, fresh soft pretzels, jams and jellies, handmade home décor, and coffee.
“Our vendors bring so much life and amazing items to the market,” Herndon said, emphasizing that the market is designed to provide a diverse range of goods to meet the community’s grocery, art, and craft needs.
Looking ahead to next season, Paducah Parks & Recreation plans to attract even more vendors, continue with “Celebration Saturdays,” and invite local musicians to enhance the experience. “Our goal is for Paducah’s Farmers’ Market to remain a community destination,” Herndon explained, “where residents and visitors can connect while supporting our local producers and artisans.”
For Paducah resident Sara Morgan, who attends regularly, the market is a treasured weekend outing.
“The farmers’ market brings together so many of our favorite things, from fresh produce to handmade home decorations,” Morgan said. “With live music and local snacks, even my youngest begs to go on Saturday mornings.”
For more information, including vendor registration and event updates, visit the Paducah Homegrown Farmers’ Market Facebook page or call the Paducah Parks office at 2701 Park Ave.
No products in the cart.