About BFM
The Bartlesville Farmers’ Market will start its 14th season in 2021 and will run from May1 through October 16.
The Market is the place to obtain fresh local produce and crafts, hear free live music, see friends, connect with neighbors and enjoy the beauty of Bartlesville. The Market provides a great outlet for local vendors to sell their products, helping to better the quality of life for these dedicated individuals.
The Bartlesville Farmers’ Market is registered with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry that meets all licensure requirements for vegetable production. Live plant sales are licensed by Dept. of Agriculture . Other vendors, such as baked goods and other food, must meet Oklahoma Department of Health requirements.
The Bartlesville Farmers’ Market is supported by memberships, sponsorships, grants, donations, and vendor fees.
The Bartlesville Area Farmers’ Market Association is a 501(c) (4) non-profit corporation.
The Board of Directors is elected at the annual meeting and consists of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, public relations, and one or more at large members.
2021 Board Members:
Coordinator–Mike Melton
Co-President—Deborah Langley
Vice President– David Payne
Treasurer—Jeff Wine
Social Media—Mary Wine
Market Manager—Jeff Wine 918-331-6199
Coordinator – Mike Melton 918-534-6542
Contact us: Time 8:00am – 11:30
History of Market
The idea for a local farmers’ market was born when members of Sustainability Nowata Osage Washington (SNOW) recognized that most of our area’s food came from far away and depended on cheap fossil fuels. Should fuel prices escalate sufficiently, long distance shipment of food might not be feasible. Or how about a prolonged drought in California’s Imperial Valley or other circumstances beyond local control?
A farmers’ market was founded to improve our local food security and to strengthen our local economy. As added benefits, local food is fresher and more varied than commercial mass-produced varieties, and customers can get to know the people who produce their food.
How do you start a farmers’ market? With a lot of help–in the beginning, from the Buy Fresh Buy Local network. Founders attended many meetings, and gained lots of information about legalities, insurance and operational guidelines. The network shared lists of names of potential vendors, which were divided up and called.
Bylaws and Vendor Guidelines were developed and adopted (elsewhere on this site). List of board members for each year can be obtained by request from the Market e-mail.
The Chamber of Commerce offered Frank Phillips Park as a downtown site for the market. This has been a good location for the Market, with ample street parking, some shade and seating, paved walking areas, and a raised stage area with electricity for a band.
The Market joined the Chamber, obtained a business license, and later a sign permit from the city of Bartlesville. The Market has received grants from the OK Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and local sponsorships.
The Market has offered workshops for potential vendors on how to grow and market their products.
Volunteer Opportunities For 2021 Season
The Bartlesville Farmers’ Market has several volunteer opportunities for the 2021 Market Season! We are looking for people who are passionate about being stewards of our land, farming, sustainable living and healthy, local and fresh food! This is a unique and exciting opportunity for you to share your passion and to make a difference in the local food movement and your community!
To become a volunteer:
Call Mike Melton at 918 534-6542
Email bvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com
Visit the market and speak to the market manager