History of Tomball Farmers Market
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In the Fall of 2007, two young mothers who grew up in Tomball, TX were discussing their frustrations of having to pack up their kids and drive into downtown Houston Farmers markets weekly to purchase local produce, meats and prepared foods. Growing up with Tomball, TX they knew Tomball had many local farming community nearby. They decided to have a community meeting to see if anyone else in the area would be interested in a having a truly local farmers market.
There was so much interest the ladies had to move the original meeting place to Tomball Bible Church to accommodate all the people who wanted to attend. They polled those in attendance asking they really wanted most from a farmers market in town. The Tomball community overwhelmingly wanted truly local fresh produce, meats, local prepared foods & local artisans. Sarah and Tiffany took the ideas created at that meeting to our Tomball City Council to ask if a local farmers market could be viable option to the City of Tomball's project planning to revitalize Old Town Tomball. The City of Tomball provided feedback and after several meetings gave the moms their blessing to put together an independently governed local farmers market provided they could find space to hold the market. Next, the board needed a space to have farmers and local crafters and food preparers set up once a month. They turned to Dr. Rodney Hutson long time resident of Tomball and the Hutson Group who owns and manages graciously agreed to allow us the use of his lot on the corner of Cherry St. & Main St. (FM 2920). |
May, 2008 Tomball Farmers Market debuted for the first time! There were only six vendors in attendance that first weekend. By August 2008 the market went from being open only one Saturday a month to being open the 2nd & 4th Saturdays the following year.
In 2011, local farmers were blessed with HUGE produce harvest and livestock growth. The board met with our farmers and decided to open our local farmers market every Saturday. Beginning in 2012 we became a year round Saturday local Houston Metro Area Farmers Market with 20 to 25 vendors weekly in the grass lot on corner of Cherry St and Main Street in Old Town Tomball. In 2013, due to increased interest in shopping for local produce, meats and artisan prepared foods we quickly outgrew the grass lot. We met with the City of Tomball again to discuss options where we could continue to grow in Tomball with the increased interest in local farmers market. The City had recently purchased the lot we are on now on Main and after several meetings with the city to work out a contract, insurance and permitting needed from local, state and federal organizations they granted us the opportunity to move to where we are now. We now can accommodate up to 65+ vendors every Saturday and we continue to provide a true local farmers market that is within walking distance to many unique shops & small business restaurants. Tomball, TX is truly a hidden gem. |
We are really excited to have hosted our second Farm-to Table Fundraising Dinner as we celebrated our 17th Year! This fundraiser will to help us raise money for our Community Garden Projects! It's hard to believe it's already been 17 years and we are looking forward to the next 20 years of growth in Tomball, TX.
Tomball Farmers Market will always be grateful to Sarah Stearns, Dr. Hutson with the Hutson Group and the City of Tomball for believing in us. Sarah Stearns and other fellow moms had a wonderful vision for Tomball and we are grateful to be a part of such an amazing community.
Tomball Farmers Market will always be grateful to Sarah Stearns, Dr. Hutson with the Hutson Group and the City of Tomball for believing in us. Sarah Stearns and other fellow moms had a wonderful vision for Tomball and we are grateful to be a part of such an amazing community.
TFM Purpose
The goals of Tomball Farmers Market include:
- Promoting the sustainable production, marketing, and consumption of local agricultural produce in season.
- Educating the community about local growing conditions and sustainable and organic growing practices.
- Strengthening the local economy by redirecting consumers' food dollars to local growers, producers and local small businesses.
- Helping grow new, small, food-based and artisan businesses and helping them move into businesses in Tomball, TX.
- Providing a positive community gathering place.
- Providing educational and community service opportunities within the community.
- Providing fundraising opportunities for non-profit organizations in the community.