LEXINGTON — The Lexington Farmers Market got off to a soggy start Wednesday afternoon, but vendors said they were pleased with the turnout in spite of the rain.
“It feels great to be here and great to finally have a market in Lexington,” said Caitlin Duncan, the owner of Wild Acre and the market’s co-founder.
“There’s been a need for a market in Lexington for a long time and we are just happy to get it started and get it off the ground.”
The market is new this year. Wednesday kicked off the 2026 season with around 15 local vendors. Wares included freshly baked pastries, homemade canvas bags, candles, plants, vegetables, lemonade, coffee and more.
Teenage entrepreneur Kaelyn Rummler was onsite to offer face painting through her small business, The Painted Rainbow.
“It’s been a very friendly, welcoming experience,” the 16-year-old said.
The market was co-founded by Duncan and Erin Slusher, who both have their own businesses and are regular vendors at other farmer’s markets.
“This was something that the community has wanted to do for a very long time, and working together at multiple markets ourselves, we decided to partner to do something for Lexington,” said Slusher, the owner of Petal & Stem Greenhouse and Nursery.
Slusher said the pair began working with the village of Lexington in November to get the necessary permitting and paperwork in place.
The market will be held every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington–Shelby Elks Lodge #2554 & Common Ground Training parking lots, located at 320 E. Main St., Lexington.
Its mission is to support local agriculture, strengthen community connections, and provide residents with access to fresh, locally sourced options, organizers said.
Deborah Mahon, also known as The Gourmet Farm Girl, had a selection of homemade soups, chilis and olive oils for sale.
“I like the concept here that it’s truly more of a farmer’s market with the good stuff, as I call it,” she said. “Everybody’s grown it (or) made it themselves.”
Mahon said most of her sales come from selling her products in local stores, but farmers markets help her meet new clients face-to-face and raise awareness for her brand.
“I was approached by different stores (at farmer’s markets) and that’s how it helped to get my business growing,” she said.
Kaela Downey, a local child care administrator and the owner of Dear Downey Sourdough Co., said she was excited to see a farmers market finally come to Lexington.
“I love family-owned businesses and I love supporting community in any way possible,” she said. “I think this is absolutely amazing.”
