Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Bloomington Community Farmers Market

Bloomington

IN

USA

Contributed by 
Leslie Kaiser
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
April 8, 2003
May 1, 2024

A farmers market featuring Indiana-grown produce, beautiful fresh cut flowers, fresh-baked bread and live musical performances.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

The Bloomington Community Farmers Market welcomes shoppers and vendors Saturday mornings from May through October, and Tuesday evenings from June through September. Beautiful displays of Indiana-grown produce transform the Common into a canvas painted with the brilliant hues of nature's bounty. Shoppers enjoy buying from the farmers and backyard gardeners who grow the produce they sell and who often share their favorite recipes for preparing it. The Market offers an amazing diversity of produce: honey, wild mushrooms, herbs, oriental vegetables, persimmons, edible flowers, heirloom peppers, maple syrup and gooseberries, to name only some of the unusual offerings. Of course, the staples are there as well: tomatoes, corn, watermelon, pumpkins, and all the rest as only Indiana can grow them. Along with the fresh Indiana-grown produce, the Market offers fresh cut flowers, fresh-baked bread and live musical performances. Host to over 2,500 visitors per day, the Market is the place to be on Saturday morning. Friends meet at the Market Caf_, where they enjoy coffee and pastries in the festive ambiance of the Market. The Market also serves as a center for community activity and information dissemination. A wide variety of community organizations set up tables to register voters, hand out literature, or to discuss political or social issues.

Access & Linkages

The market is located in downtown Bloomington and is accessible by foot, auto and public transportation.

Comfort & Image

The feel of the market as you approach is one of community. Seating is available in the Market Caf_, and there are also a few benches throughout the market. The area is regularly maintained and cleaned of all litter.

Uses & Activities

Showers Common is used primarily for the Farmers Market but can also be rented out for public use. For example, the Chamber of Commerce puts on a "Taste of Bloomington" there every year.

Sociability

The market is a social occasion for many of its patrons. Patrons range in age and ethnicity. Many international students from Indiana University find that the Market is similar to traditional markets in their home countries.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Bloomington Community Farmers Market

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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