Miami Lakes Picnic Park West has much more to offer these days with the launch of a new Farmer’s Market taking place every Saturday. Cars fill the parking lots and streets surrounding the park beginning at 9 a.m., right when the market opens.
Visitors walk toward the line of tents covering brilliant colors of fresh produce, and the smell of traditional cuisines fill the air. It’s no wonder why the Farmer’s Market has a bustling crowd. The Town of Miami Lakes is proud to invite about 30 vendors from all walks of life to share their treasures. Due to popular demand hours have been extended from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“We still had a lot of foot traffic at 1 p.m. and it is such a big job for vendors to transport and set up. Extending these hours is more profitable and accommodating for them,” said Farmer’s Market manager, Claire Tomlin.
Tomlin, owner of The Market Company, has been organizing farmers market events for over 20 years and she has met a variety of amazing people along the way. When the Lincoln Road Partnership Market - where she sold herb vinegars - dissolved in 1995, Claire was asked to recreate the concept. Beginning with one weekly market on Lincoln Road, her farmers markets now span all across South Florida.
Tomlin found Miami Lakes about six years ago when she received a call from the town's Special Events and Committees Coordinator, Clarisell De Cardenas, asking for a small Easter weekend market. That market was extremely well received and the dream of creating a permanent market in the Lakes suddenly seemed like a fast approaching reality.
Tomlin has grown deeply connected with her vendors and emphasizes the caliber of their work. “If you supply a good quality product, people will discover it and they will come back,” said Tomlin.
Even with many unique locations, “the Saturday morning exercise classes and activities at Miami Lakes’ gorgeous park provides us with tremendous and consistent support” said Tomlin, referring to the free adult yoga classes hosted by Miami Lakes business, 305 Yoga, that take place every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Though there are people jogging the park's trails and families enjoying the interactive playground all day long, the release of these hungry yogis at 10 a.m. makes it one of the market's busiest hours.
There is a wide array of fresh food available at the Farmer’s Market. Assai Blenz serves authentic Korean cuisine and detoxing bubble tea – a sweet frothy drink complete with flavored tapioca balls. Delights like this rare bubble tea and Taste of Rio Inc.’s acai bowls are hard to find in local restaurants so the Miami Lakes Farmer's Market is the closest opportunity to give them a try.
People are not the only ones that benefit from the market's nutritious options. Dog Deli: Canine Kitchen intends to help reduce the effects of allergies and cancer in dogs with chemical-free, great tasting dog food made from the same meat and vegetables enjoyed in restaurants.
Jamie, from Gables Delight: Natural Jams, Jellies, and More, is pleased to see “how beautifully the town has progressed,” having grown up in Miami Lakes herself. She is now living in Coral Springs but found out about the Miami Lakes Farmers Market through Instagram.
One of many inspiring stories that fill the Miami Lakes Farmer's Market is Nicaraguan artist Manuel Rivera Ortega who was born with a quadriplegic disability that inhibits him from using any of his four limbs. At age 7, he began using his mouth to hold and use a paintbrush. He feels “extremely blessed for the God-given talent and privilege to pursue art in this unique way,” he said.
Settling in Miami 23 years ago, Manuel is thankful to have met Tomlin who does not charge him for a spot at all of her farmer's markets from the University of Miami to Downtown and beyond. He works mainly for tips and will complete pieces upon request for people that love his work. For a look at his inspiring art visit Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Even on an unassuming Saturday afternoon in the small town of Miami Lakes, stories of hope are found.