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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Coon Rapids Farmers Market Set to Open 2026 Season on June 17
COON RAPIDS, MN (June 8, 2026) The Coon Rapids Farmers Market will open its 2026 summer operational season on Wednesday, June 17, bringing local agricultural producers, cottage food makers, and regional artisans to the northern Twin Cities suburbs.
The weekly marketplace is organized by the Anoka County Growers Association (ACGA) in cooperation with the City of Coon Rapids. The market will operate every Wednesday afternoon from June 17 through October 7 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the outdoor parking lot of the Coon Rapids Ice Center, located at 11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard NW.
Strict Agricultural Policies and Evolving Inventory
The ACGA enforces a permanent "grower-only" policy for all participating agricultural vendors. Under this regulation, vendors are strictly prohibited from sourcing items via wholesale distribution channels and may only sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and plants that they have personally cultivated on regional farms.
Consequently, available inventory will fluctuate in alignment with the Minnesota agricultural growth cycle:
- Early Summer: Initial market dates will lead with strawberries, leafy greens, radishes, and seasonal herbs.
- Mid-to-Late Summer: Inventory will expand into sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
- Autumn Harvest: Final weeks will transition toward root vegetables, squash, apples, and pumpkins.
Non-Produce Vendor Recruitment and Logistics
The City of Coon Rapids is currently executing a recruitment campaign for non-produce vendors, specifically targeting registered cottage food producers, home bakers, woodworkers, and craft artists to diversify the commercial lineup.
The city has established a clear logistical and financial framework for participating non-produce entrepreneurs:
| Operational Variable | Market Policy and Fee Structure |
| Daily Space Fee | $25 per individual market date |
| Full-Season Package | $270 total for the complete 16-week duration |
| Arrival and Setup Window | Commences at 1:30 PM; all stalls must be fully operational by 2:45 PM |
| Teardown Regulation | Early packing is prohibited; stalls must remain active until 6:00 PM closing |
| Structural Restrictions | Canopies must be secured with 25-pound weights per leg; ground stakes are banned |
All proposed products, baked goods, and crafts must pass a formal compliance check by market management prior to receiving a municipal sales permit.
Promotional and Themed Event Schedule
The 2026 operational calendar integrates three specific promotional benchmarks designed to stimulate neighborhood attendance:
- June 17 (Opening Day): Market coordinators will distribute complimentary reusable canvas tote bags to shoppers at the central welcome station, available while supplies last.
- August 19 (Senior Day): Programming will highlight specialized services and community resources tailored for older adults.
- September 23 (Customer Appreciation Day): Features will include merchant promotions and public entry for local prize raffle drawings.
Interested merchants can submit applications through the City of Coon Rapids online community activity portal. Regulatory questions or licensing inquiries can be directed to City Event Coordinator Julie Bieniek via phone at 763-767-6524 or through email at jbieniek@coonrapidsmn.gov.
