A new farmers market location is opening in Dallas just in time for spring. Good Local Markets announced it would return this season, but not to its decade-old location. The new location will be called White Rock Local Market.
Seekers of fresh fruit and vegetables can now visit the farmer’s market in the White Rock United Methodist Church parking lot, located at 1450 Old Gate Lane in the Little Forest Hills neighborhood of East Dallas.
Good Local Markets executive Casey Cutler told The Dallas Morning News the market would have preferred to remain at its old location, conveniently located on Garland Avenue, for visibility purposes. However, the White Rock Local Market did not get its contract with Lake Pointe Church renewed, hence its relocation.
One favorite aspect of the market that will remain in the new location is the presence of buskers, local music talents who perform at various booths. Applications to perform are available on the Good Local Market website; however, musicians’ compensation will come in the form of exposure and tips from market patrons.
Cutler says longtime vendors Jersey Girls Milk Co. and Leila Bakery will be also returning to the market.
Vendors will offer highly-requested items, such as milk, grass-fed beef, yogurt, chicken eggs, duck eggs, and many other seasonal favorites. Although strawberries will not be immediately available, they will be in season soon and sold at the market within the next few weeks.
The White Rock Local Market will be open every Saturday from March 26 to December 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. The market will open ‘rain or shine,’ though in the case of inclement weather, it may close until severe weather passes. Ample parking will be available either at the church or behind the building.
Wearing a mask will be optional this year. Leashed, well-behaved dogs may accompany customers while they shop.
Vendors will accept cash, credit cards, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program (SFMNP) cards.
The 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Good Local Markets, held its first farmer’s market in 2009 to increase food access, stimulate the local economy, and, perhaps most importantly, help local farmers, growers, and artists find a centrally located venue for selling their products. According to the nonprofit’s website, buyers and vendors drive up to 150 miles to purchase or sell the locally-sourced items every week.
