Fresh, Local, and Rooted in Tradition: The Carlton County Farmers Market

Shelly Peterson
Sep 8
3 min read

Talking Business - Carlton County Farmers Market

Listen to Podcast Here: Carlton

Since 1983, the Carlton County Farmers Market (CCFM) has been a cornerstone of community life, offering an authentic farm-to-market experience that celebrates local agriculture, handmade goods, and small business entrepreneurship. Every item sold is grown or produced within 50 miles of the market, making CCFM a true reflection of the region’s talent and abundance.

From early June through mid-October, the market welcomes visitors twice a week:

Cloquet Market: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon in the Premiere Theatres parking lot, 904 Hwy 33 South.
Carlton Market: Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at McFarland Park, off Hwy 210 and Grand Street.

With more than 45 vendors, shoppers can explore a wide range of offerings—from fresh fruits, vegetables, and garden plants to breads, baked goods, jams, jellies, eggs, meats, maple syrup, honey, flowers, body care products, fine crafts, and even local food trucks.

A Legacy of Local Roots

Gail Olson, Manager of the Cloquet Market, whose family was part of the founding group of farmers and bakers who established the CCFM over 40 years ago. Gail’s father, an earth science teacher, and her mother, a baker of sauna bread, helped launch the market alongside John Fischer Merritt of the University of Minnesota Extension Office. Today, Gail and her husband proudly carry this heritage on their fourth-century family farm.

“People really like the vibe of our market,” Olson shares. “It offers variety and quality, from farm produce and cottage foods to crafts by local artists.”

Supporting Local Agriculture

CCFM vendors embrace sustainable farming practices. Many are certified organic, while others grow without synthetic pesticides or herbicides. A few use limited conventional methods, but all are committed to quality and transparency. In addition, Minnesota’s Cottage Foods Program ensures that locally made goods—such as jams, jellies, breads, cheeses, and meat sticks—are safe and accessible to the community.

Olson explains, “The CCFM helps family businesses grow. There is room for all, from CSA food shares and farmstands to farmers markets. When you purchase seasonally available produce here, you’re supporting our local agricultural economy instead of buying products trucked in from far away.”

Community, Kids, and Connection

The Carlton County Farmers Market isn’t just about shopping—it’s about community. With its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, the market is designed to be family-friendly and engaging.

One highlight for children is Marty the Market Mouse. Marty “hides” somewhere in the market each week at the Cloquet Market, and the first child to find him wins $2 in market money. Other participants receive stamps for their Market Mouse passport, which can be traded in for more market money after six stamps. It’s a fun way to teach kids the value of local shopping while making their market visits exciting.

Accessibility for All

The market is also committed to being financially accessible. CCFM accepts SNAP/EBT benefits, and through the Market Bucks program, purchases are matched dollar for dollar up to $10. That means shoppers can turn $10 in SNAP benefits into $20 worth of fresh, local food. It’s a vital program that helps families, seniors, and individuals access healthy food while supporting local vendors.

Experience the Market

Whether you’re seeking crisp vegetables, fresh-baked bread, handcrafted goods, or simply the joy of connecting with your neighbors, the Carlton County Farmers Market delivers an experience unlike any other. Rooted in tradition yet growing with innovation, it’s where local agriculture, community spirit, and authentic small businesses thrive together.