One of my favorite things about living in New Iberia is the Farmer's Market that happens every week on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. I enjoy the walk to Main Street, getting to meet and chat with the local vendors, and support them by purchasing not only items that we can use as a family, but also indulge in special treat or two for myself and the kids.
I've always enjoyed these outings with my children to the local market events, and so now that they are a little older, they not only enjoy going, but also see the value in supporting our local community.
 Image via CanvaPro |
Tips for Shopping with Kids at the Farmer's Markets
No matter what age, shopping with your kiddos in tow can add a little more stress to your plate. But you can still get your shopping done and enjoy the day with the kids with a few tips:
Use your shopping trip to a local Farmer's Markets as a way to teach older children and teenagers how to budget. Give them a grocery list of items you may need for the house and have them do the shopping.
You can help teach your older children about independence. Have them ask the vendors questions about some of the items for sale. This was always a big one for us, because while some kids are natural born talkers, others need a little help when it comes to communicating.
If you have younger children, you can make it an adventure! Go check out one of the Farmer's Markets on our list that you have never been to before. Ask the to tell you about their favorite item at the market, or have them draw a picture about their adventure.
Get the kids playing some games while you shop. You can play a game of I Spy while shopping, choose a specific color and have the kids count how many items they find that are that color, or ask them to name all the fruits and vegetables that they see. These games will keep them engaged in counting while you shop for the items you need.
 Image via CanvaPro |
While we have the market weekly here in New Iberia, there are other communities in our area that also offer Farmer's Market events for families to attend. Below is a list of some of the markets you can add to you calendar over the upcoming months.
Teche Area Festival and Farmers Market
The market is held every week on Tuesdays, from 2pm to 6pm and then again every Saturday morning from 7am to 11am. The vendors set up in Bouligny Plaza directly on Main Street at 128 W Main St in beautiful downtown New Iberia. The event always offers handmade crafts, fresh produce, baked home goods, fresh flowers, and other delicious goods like honey, canned jellies, smoked cheese, and so much more. For more information, or to register to become a vendor at this event, click here.
Delcambre Seafood and Farmers Market
This is market event held at Bayou Carlin Cove Railroad Pavilion at 605 S. Railroad in Delcambre from 9am to 1pm. It normally runs on the first Saturday of every month from February to December. There will be no market this month in July but be prepared to catch it again in August as they celebrate Shrimp Festival Month. This market will offer lots of homemade baked goods and specialty items as well as the treasured Louisiana favorite, fresh seafood. For more information on upcoming dates, a list of participating vendors, or how to become a vendor yourself, please visit their website or their Facebook event page.
Envision Da Berry at Da Berry Fresh Market
While this is so much more than just a local farmers market, they do hold monthly events at their location at 520 Hopkins Street in New Iberia that allow other vendors to participate and sell their specialty items, handmade crafts, and home made goods.
Envision Da Berry is a local non-profit that is creatively using their philosophy to offer a place to purchase sustainable fresh fruits and vegetables while teaching local youth and other groups about farm to table options through local workshops and community events. For information on their monthly events, workshops, or store hours, check out their Facebook page for call Da Berry Fresh Market (337) 256-6195.
Abbeville Farmers & Artisans Market
I remember my first drive through downtown Abbeville like it was yesterday. I was mesmerized by the quaint beauty of this little town and consider it one of my favorite places to visit. This market is held monthly at Magdalen Square from 8am to 1pm in the center of town. This market will offer seasonal fresh produce, home baked goods, local preserves and jellies as well as arts and crafts from local vendors. You can go to the city website for more information on this event or keep tabs by following their event page on Facebook.
Held the second Saturday of every month, head out to the Kaplan Farmers Market for food, crafts, kids activities, and family fun! For more information or to find out about booth rentals, call Brandy 979-583-8114.
Franklin Bayou to Main Market Place
Located in historic downtown Franklin in St. Mary Parish, this event is held monthly and sponsored by Franklin Merchants Association in Franklin. The market can be found on Main Street in the Old Center Theater Lot. It includes a mix of 30 booths, food truck vendors, and offers home baked goods, handmade crafts and other items. For information call 337-278-7540.
Berwick Farmer's Market - Berwick Downtown
The market is held on the 3rd Saturday, (with the exception of January, February and July), each month from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Support the local farmers, fishermen and artisans and purchase fresh, local products and handmade items. For information, email berwicklamarket@gmail.com.
Macaroni KID New Iberia is a hyper-local resource for families in New Iberia and the surrounding areas of Abbeville, Franklin, Morgan City and Breaux Bridge.
We offer a FREE weekly newsletter supporting events, local businesses, and other organizations in these areas.
Be sure to subscribe so you'll always be in the know!
We love to gather the details of local events and activities each week and put them in one place for our families to to use. Everything from information about children's classes, supporting local businesses, details on family-focused events, to product reviews, recipes, crafts are featured in our newsletters each week.
