If you’re on the hunt to score fresh produce (sometimes picked the same day you buy it), check out the new Park Place Farmers Market located along W. 116th Place at Park Place Village. The market—which opened on May 1st—is just one of several new additions to the popular Leawood shopping mecca.
The Market is open every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. through October 16, and will feature a variety of produce vendors, specialty food, featured programming, and acoustic performances. “We’re excited to welcome approximately 20 vendors each market day and we expect to keep growing that number throughout the season,” says Park Place Farmers Market manager Ginger Kremneva. “Some vendors will appear for the full season, with others rotating throughout to allow diversity and selection based on what produce is in harvest.” Kremneva added that the market will continue to accept applications from local growers and makers within 125-mile radius to offer something new and different for those who visit every Saturday.
Park Place’s general manager Scott Keller says plans for a market had been in the works for over two years now. Unfortunately, the pandemic stalled the original opening date. Despite the false start, the shopping district remained committed to the idea of bringing a new market to the Leawood area. According to Keller, the locale is perfect for such an event. “The property provides the perfect backdrop for such an experience,” he says. “With Park Place’s main-street feel, local storefronts, the greenspace, and patios— it’s a natural setting for a farmers market.”
Given the overall popularity of farmers markets in Johnson County, it’s no wonder the first few weeks of the market have been a bona fide success, with many vendors nearly selling out their inventory. Leawood Chamber president Kevin Jeffries says this proves how great the desire is to support local farmers and makers. “We’ve seen Saturday morning traditions like this begin at places like City Market, Overland Park, and Lee’s Summit, just to name a few,” he says. “We’re excited to see a new tradition start right here in Leawood.”
If your children need an escape, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities as well. You can cool off next to the fountains while the kids duke it out with the various games on the lawn. (Ladder Toss! Giant Jenga! Cornhole!) In addition, free live music, concerts, movies, and special events are planned at Barkley Square every Friday and Saturday night from May through October. For a complete list of events, visit https://www.parkplace.local/events/.
