This year, the May Market moved to a new location in Jefferson City, taking on new partners and new features.
Moving forward, organizers hope to see further growth and development of the market's downtown presence.
The Lincoln University Farmers Market has been hosted downtown the last two years during May on Madison Street. With lots of events on campus in May, the arrangement allows the university to continue its weekly farmers market while offering the downtown Jefferson City merchants an extra draw.
This year, the partnership moved the market's 20-plus vendors to the 300 block of East High Street and incorporated themed events with music, games and demonstrations each Saturday morning.
Downtown Association President Stephanie Bell said this year's changes were good for the vendors and downtown businesses.
"I think the changes have been really positive," Bell said. "I see people kind of sticking around in downtown, which is nice."
Jake Davis, owner of Root Cellar, said the farmers market has been great. This year, the market was placed in front of Root Cellar, which joined the market event through culinary demonstrations and the addition of brunch served at the store.
"We're excited that it moved to the 300 block of High, which really ties in nicely with what we do," Davis said. "It creates a great community feel on Saturday morning. Now it's becoming more of a community event."
Davis said it has brought the store's regular customers and new customers downtown on Saturday mornings, helping to expand Root Cellar's reach in Jefferson City.
Missouri River Regional Library and the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities initiative, led by Capital Region Medical Center wellness coordinators, also joined in the market this year. Bell said she is in conversation with other potential partners for future years, including the Missouri State Museum.
Bell said she would like to see the market further develop the children's activities, which started this year, as the annual event moves forward.
"The Missouri State Museum is doing a lot of events with kids now, and they've come to the table," Bell said. "I think it's been a great event, a really successful partnership between downtown and Lincoln, and then just adding these other community partners has only enhanced the event."
Bell said the new location worked well, and she's looking forward to more growth for the May Market when it returns next year.
"I think the location is really nice," Bell said, noting there's plenty of parking and a block where there aren't too many other activities.
The market returns to Lincoln's campus next weekend in the parking lot at 900 Leslie Blvd. Bell said she hopes many of those who enjoyed it downtown will continue to check out the vendors at the university.