Winter Farm Market at State Fair Park

The Winter Farm Market at State Fair Park is a busy place from 8:00 to Noon on Saturdays in West Allis.  The market is held inside the Tommy Thompson Youth Building right off 84th St.  Numerous venders sell a variety of items through April 14th.  Check out the link on Wisconsin State Fair page http://www.wistatefair.com/index.html.

I was pleasantly surprised to find winter root crops available as my onion supply had dwindled to almost nothing.  In past years I have not been fortunate to find these items this late in the season.  There were also a few fresh items (greens, herbs, etc.) from some new venders that are doing gardening under glass.  Mushrooms are also for sale in several types which come from a farm in Burlington.  

 There are also several items which can be purchased that have been preserved and bottled with a longer shelf life.  The mushroom farm sells pickled items including a portabella salsa which is very good.  

There are also bottled sweet items.  Honey, maple syrup, and sorghum are all available in a variety of sizes.










Meat, poultry, and eggs are widely available at the market from many farms which are a short drive from Milwaukee County.  Chicken, beef, and pork are the mainstays, but you can also find lamb, goat, elk, bison and other less common meats.  There are venders which sell cured sausages from some of these selections as well.  I was interested in butter and eggs this Saturday and was not disappointed.  I sampled some cheeses made by local dairies that will be on my list for the next trip when I have a few more dollars in my pocket.

I highly recommend a trip to the Winter Farm Market.  I have not mentioned every vender and available item so you will have some adventure awaiting you on your trip.  Nothing beats shopping in an environment that allows you to talk to the farmer that produced the food you are buying.  Don't feel that they don't have the time or don't want to answer "dumb" questions.  They are proud of their products and what they do.  It is a treat to meet some of Wisconsin's farmers close to home.