ANNA MARIA – The city’s seasonal farmers market returned on Tuesday, Oct. 12 to shoppers eager for fresh produce.
The weekly market takes place every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting, through May 10 under the shade sail at City Pier Park across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier.
Recently-hired Senior Administrative Assistant Amy Moriarty is now coordinating the city’s weekly farmers market. She takes over the duties previously performed by Deputy Clerk/Code Enforcement Manager Debbie Haynes.
“Our first market of the season Tuesday was great! We had eight vendors, all of which returned from last year. It was very busy from start to finish and a few vendors even sold out early,” Moriarty said.
The returning vendors and organizations included Fivela Produce, Guacamole Holy Paradise, Malagros Produce, Meli Gusto (jams and jellies), Mr. Fun Guy (mushrooms), Ramona Rosibel Malheiro (empanadas), Tillman Produce and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
“Three additional vendors were unable to participate in the first market. Those vendors were the Anna Maria Historical Society, Hahn’s Kettle Corn and King of Guacamole. We have two additional vendors in the final application process, but we anticipate their participation at our next market,” Moriarty said.
Offering Central Asian and Middle Eastern food and desserts, Cuni Tuni will be one of the market’s new vendors. Blooms by the Beach will also be joining the vendor lineup.
“They will have succulent gardens and fresh flower bouquets. Adding a flower vendor was a request from marketgoers, and we’re so happy to answer the request with an island florist,” Moriarty said regarding Blooms by the Beach.
“The city of Anna Maria is thrilled to again host the farmers market at City Pier Park and looks forward to an enjoyable farmers market season. We are following CDC guidelines and not requiring masks, but we have free masks available and multiple hand sanitizer stations,” Moriarty said.
