The Sanibel Island Farmers Market is returning to the island with its first event set for Oct. 1.

Now in its 16th season, the market will be held on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sanibel City Hall from October through May. Organized by Local Roots, which is co-owned by island residents Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura, the weekly market will feature a mix of vendors and products, plus crafters.

“We had intended to open for our 15th season last year and then (Hurricane) Ian happened, which was devastating,” Ventura said, noting that recovery continues. “Everybody is still trying to get over it.”

When the Sanibel Causeway reopened, the market was able to return thanks to Jerry’s Foods.

“We were delayed, but we did get to open, which was just amazing,” she said.

SANIBEL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Local Roots co-owners Betsy Ventura and Jean Baer operate the Sanibel Island Farmers Market.

The shortened season offered about a quarter of the number of regular vendors until it ended.

“I think that it was just a feel-good community gathering, even more so than in the past,” Ventura said.

While the market will resume normal operations for the new season, there will be fewer vendors participating than there were pre-hurricane — but more than last season. Because of the still reduced occupancy on the islands, they wanted to make sure that there is enough business for the vendors.

“And have enough choices for residents and the community,” she said.

In addition, the return to city hall means that only service animals are permitted onsite again.

SANIBEL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Dynasty Paella

“When we were at Jerry’s, we were allowed to have dogs,” Ventura said.

Also new this season, bicycle parking will be at the Sanibel Public Library, off the bike path, as opposed to city hall. Vehicle parking will be located in the lots at the library, BIG ARTS and theater. Those requiring handicap parking will continue to utilize the city hall lot as in previous seasons.

“We’ll have parking attendants that will be directing people,” she said.

An estimated 40 to 50 vendors will be participating.

New additions will include Bubble Farm Soap, which creates homemade goats milk soap, scrubs, bath bombs and more, and Molly Malone Seafood, which set up at the market last season after the storm.

SANIBEL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Bubble Farm Soap

“Dynasty Paella is going to be cooking onsite and selling right out of the pan,” Ventura said.

Some of the returning favorites will include Angelic Desserts Bakery and Cafe, Cherie’s Sweet Treats, Dominga’s Flowers, Ernesto & Luigi’s Sauces with its Italian foods and sauces, European Bakery, Jimmy’s Java, mushroom farmer Mr. Fun Guy, My Exotic Fruits, Spoondrift Island Bowls, Stamper Cheese, Straight From New York Bagels, The Licorice Guy, The Fisherman’s Daughter, Three Birds Breakfast Truck, Twila Mae’s Chicken Salad, and Venus Veggies with its organic vegetables.

Local crafters and artisans will again take part on a rotating schedule.

“We’re allowed a limited number,” she said. “They’ll change throughout the season.”

Some vendors will include the Queenie Tin & Fish Co. with art pieces, Fouta Spa with handwoven towels, Heart to Hand Studio with jewelry, and hölicow with hand block printed cotton clothing.

SANIBEL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Spoondrift Island Bowls

In addition, a different local nonprofit will be provided with booth space each week.

“We will have a nonprofit there each week,” Ventura said.

Local Roots is also continuing its partnership with F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva to help fill the food pantry. At the end of the day, vendors can donate any leftover products, which F.I.S.H. picks up.

She noted that interested shoppers can drop off donations at the farmers market booth.

On behalf of Baer and herself, Ventura shared her gratitude for everyone involved.

SANIBEL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Queenie Tin & Fish Co.

“We want to reiterate that we’re grateful to the support of the library and BIG ARTS for providing the overflow parking and for the support of city staff that has allowed us to return to the grounds,” she said.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by.

“I think more than ever we need to be together as a community, and the farmers marker offers the opportunity as a gathering place during this rebuilding stage of the islands,” Ventura said.

“We look forward to returning and seeing everyone,” she added.

Nonprofits interested in using the booth space can email Baer at jmbaer@comcast.net.

For more information about the market, visit https://www.buylocallee.com/.

Sanibel City Hall is at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

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IF YOU GO

What

Sanibel Island Farmers Market

When

Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (October through May)

Where

Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road

Who

Local Roots

Details

Free and open to the community

SANIBEL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Molly Malone Seafood

SANIBEL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Cherie’s Sweet Treats