The Keller Farmers Market is open every Saturday 8 a.m. to noon through October. Organizers are planning to host classes on sustainable topics during the off-season. Photos courtesy of Keller Farmers Market.  

Oct. 15, 2014

By Julie Thibodeaux

When Heather Foote looks out over the Keller Farmers Market, she sees a mini-green fest.

The new program director for the nonprofit says the market’s main attraction is fresh, locally grown produce. As a result, it naturally brings sustainably minded people from the community together, she said.

Featuring farmers from within a 150-mile range, artisans and live music, Foote said it’s become a destination for people to ride their bikes to on Saturday morning, shop and socialize.

Right, a local farmers displays his fresh produce.

“Without the market there I don't know how people would find out about things,” joked Foote. 

This month, the Keller Farmers Market partnered with Knobbies and Slicks Bicycle Shop to ramp up the bike friendly atmosphere. The program known as Cycle to the Circle rewards cyclists who ride to market with a wooden coin worth $1 toward any purchase.

The bicycle bucks never expire and are also honored at the bike shop. 

In addition, on Oct. 25, there will be a drop-off site for donations to Bicycles for Humanity. Donated bikes will be shipped to Africa to become primary transportation for an adult or recreation for a child.

Foote also has ambitious goals after the market closes at the end of October. She plans to host a series of classes on green topics such as sustainable living, permaculture and organic gardening.

The passion to educate comes naturally for Foote, who is a secondary science teacher by day and founder of an earth education program called Prairie Keepers.

She wants to tie in the Keller Farmers Market to the Westwind Church Community Garden in Keller. She has dreams of leading earth walks and hosting star parties on the property.

“In my mind, it’s all connected,” said Foote.

Right, a shopper stops by for some Round Rock Honey.

A longtime volunteer at the Fort Worth Prairie Fest and the Tandy Hills Natural Area, she says her goal is create a similar eco-friendly community centered in Keller, where she lives.

“I love Keller because there’s a lot happening,” she said. “We’re trying to bring in a little piece of Portland.”  


Julie Thibodeaux is the Managing Editor for Green Source DFW. Previously, she worked as an editor and writer at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Contact her at Julie@greensourcedfw.org.

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