Farmers Market Grab Bag – a blog by Larissa Keller | photo at top by EJ Drake

I noticed last weekend at the Downtown Farmer’s Market that the walk up and down the aisles of vendors is my favorite walk of the week. I enjoy walking through the whir of people, some cutting across the aisle to their favorite vendor, others catching up with old friends, and parents letting their children explore all the homemade goods the locals have to offer. Occasionally, however, my walk is cut short by terrible weather, such as freezing cold, like it was a couple weekends ago. There are some vendors who have an open shop wind, rain, or shine, and Cornucopia Bakery is one of them. It was too windy for his tent, but Bill Schoenherr was out at the market, and gave me the scoop on his goods at the market.

Cornucopia Bakery is owned and run by Bill and Janie Schoenherr out of Hoyt, Kansas. Both Bill and Janie work hard baking the breads, and Bill sets up his tent every Saturday at the Downtown Farmer’s Market, as well as every Wednesday at the Mid-Week Farmer’s Market. On Saturdays, Cornucopia’s selection consists of at least six different kinds of bread, and various scones and Swedish braided bread. On Wednesdays, Bill also brings fresh cinnamon rolls for the downtown workers to enjoy for breakfast or lunch. He is one of only two bakery vendors at the Wednesday market.

All of Cornucopia’s loaves of bread have complete ingredient lists and calories, and many have the Weight Watchers points listed on the package. Bread choices include quinoa, cinnamon raisin, flax seed, and honey wheat. For the scone selection, Bill says, “If it is a dried fruit, I can do it, or even any kind of chip.” The same goes for the Swedish breads; any kind of fruit preserve can be made into a Swedish braid.

The Downtown Farmer’s Market grows every week, with more vendors, produce, and people. The liveliness of the market picks up even more with the addition of Music at the Market, this week featuring Josh Vowell and the Rumble, a local blues band. Check them out as you enjoy the local offerings the vendors bring us every week.

Want to see a vendor spotlighted? Let Larissa know! Contact her at Rose289@gmail.com