Spring has sprung and it’s time for summer to roll into Wisconsin, and that wondrous time is marked by the return of the Jackson County Farmer’s Market.

For the second year it is situated on Diploma Drive out by the high school and Lunda Community Center, which works great for vendors.

Char Engler, who runs a stand with her husband Bill, say this location works much better than previous years when it was downtown.

“Cars would just go around the barriers and motorcycles would come through,” Char said. “We have some people who don’t walk as fast.”

This new spot provides plenty of space for cars and pedestrians alike which worked out a lot better for everyone when they first tried it last year.

Some of the vendors also say the new location provides a lot better visibility being just off a busy road and right across from the Jackson County Fair Grounds, which is booked pretty much every weekend throughout the summer.

The only downside to the new venue last year was that no one really knew what to expect and sold out quickly.

It remained a friendly market though, even amidst all the high-selling produce Char said, “There’s no competition here, it’s always so friendly and helpful.”

The folks running the stands are not shy about helping a customer find what they need, even if it’s at another stand.

It’s not just a boon for the customers and the farmers, though as some say it will be a huge benefit for the city as well by increasing its agricultural tourism.

The Farmer’s Market has been getting some good exposure in the Western Wisconsin Farmer’s Atlas, which spans Hayward to La Crosse and drew in some folks last year.

On average the market sees about 10 vendors, but that number can expand as Fall comes around.

It is open every Thursday from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On the first Thursday of every month until October there will be a free car seat and safety check.

Story by Stephen Knoll (stephen.knoll@lee.net) / Jackson County Chronicle