Customer Appreciation Day Brings Health, Harvest, and Community Spirit to Coon Rapids Farmers Market

Customer Appreciation Day Brings Health, Harvest, and Community Spirit to Coon Rapids Farmers Market

COON RAPIDS, MN — September 24, 2025 — The Coon Rapids Farmers Market turned into a vibrant hub of gratitude, health, and autumn abundance on Wednesday as it hosted its annual Customer Appreciation Day. The event, held in the parking lot of the Coon Rapids Ice Center, drew families, neighbors, and regular shoppers eager to enjoy the season’s harvest while receiving an extra dose of thanks from organizers and vendors.

Health Meets Harvest

A major highlight was the Cub Mobile Health Unit, stationed prominently near the entrance. The mobile clinic offered flu and updated COVID-19 vaccinations — a timely service as Minnesota enters respiratory virus season. By partnering with Cub Pharmacy, the market made it simple for shoppers to prioritize their health without adding another errand to their busy schedules.

Freebies and Giveaways

The spirit of appreciation was evident throughout the afternoon. Attendees received Chick-fil-A gift cards, and excitement mounted as shoppers gathered for the prize drawing. Two winners walked away with large gift baskets brimming with donated vendor items, a tangible show of gratitude for the community’s loyal support during the 2025 market season.

The Autumn Bounty

Organized by the Anoka County Growers Association, the market featured a colorful spread of late-season produce and fall favorites. Vendors reported brisk sales of:

• Hearty vegetables including root crops, pumpkins, squashes, and greens.
• Sweet treats like jams, local honey, and the final fresh berries of the year.
• Seasonal décor, from mums to fresh-cut flowers, to brighten homes for fall.

Spotlight on Local Entrepreneurs

Beyond the growers, a diverse group of cottage bakers, artists, and crafters brought unique flair to the celebration. Wednesday’s featured vendors included:

• G’ma’s Bakery – homemade breads and sweet treats
• Summer Lakes Beverage – refreshing artisanal drinks
• In Fine Feather Vegan Goods – specialty plant-based foods
• FantasyWorkbenchCo – handcrafted art and accessories
• Purses and Plants – creative combinations of greenery and design
• Vietta Spider Plants – distinctive botanical offerings
• Selah Sol & Co. – artisan-crafted goods

Their presence underscored the market’s expanding role as a showcase not just for fresh food, but also for the creativity and entrepreneurship flourishing across Anoka County.

Two Weeks Left in the 2025 Season

With just two Wednesdays remaining — October 1 and October 8 — the season is nearing its close. The market will continue to run 3–6 p.m. at the Ice Center parking lot (11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.), giving shoppers a limited window to stock up on local produce, baked goods, and artisan items before the winter break.

As the third-to-last market day of the season, Customer Appreciation Day highlighted what makes the weekly gathering more than just a shopping trip: it’s a celebration of health, community, and the enduring ties between growers, makers, and the neighbors they serve.

MinneapoliMedia