MARTIN, S.D. -- Martin, South Dakota now has a farmers market. The market will be held the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month from 3-6 p.m. at the Martin City Park. Organizers anticipate the event running through September or possibly October.

“There are so many farmers and ranchers, crafters, and talented people in the area. We wanted a way to pull them all together,” said Lanna Trantham, Martin Farmers Market host.

Trantham helped organize the market. She moved to Martin around a year and a half ago from North Carolina.

“Farmers markets are a big thing in small communities in North Carolina,” Trantham said.

According to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the number of farmers markets rose from 1,755 in 1994 to 8,771 in 2019. Since then, growth has remained modest and stable.

“In Martin we’re trying to pull our community together and have more events,” Trantham said.

The Martin Farmers Market features produce, meat, and crafts, but Trantham said there is room for more vendors.

“If you don’t do anything that’s homemade or handmade, you can still get involved by hosting an activity, such as horseshoes,” Trantham said.

Trantham plans to include a mini putt putt at the next farmers market on June 25.