Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Clinton and Kelly Echelman, market managers of the Madison County Farmers Market and owners of Cedar Shake Farm, to explore how a community gathering space, local entrepreneurship, and a passion for fresh produce have transformed Winterset's Saturday mornings. From relocating the market back to the courthouse square to launching the Farm Bucks food assistance program, Clinton and Kelly share how intentional growth and a welcoming atmosphere have turned the farmers market into one of Madison County's most beloved weekly traditions. We also discuss the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep the market running smoothly, exciting vendor success stories, and what the future of the market could look like.In this episode, we cover:How Clinton and Kelly got started at Cedar Shake Farm and eventually took over managing the market in January 2025The move from Monumental Park back to the Winterset courthouse square and why space matteredCreating atmosphere with live music, kids activities, cornhole, and vendor entertainmentHow the market has grown from a small weekend event to 35 to 40 vendors weekly and 60 total vendors across the seasonSupporting local entrepreneurs, including youth vendors getting their first taste of small business ownershipThe Farm Bucks program, a food assistance initiative partnering with CRISP to help Madison County families shop localWebsite, digital vendor management, and pre-assigned vendor spots that keep things organized week to weekVendor success stories, including a sourdough maker who sold out by 11 a.m. her first weekendThe market's plan to pursue 501(c)(3) statusFuture goals, including club and organization showcase weekends and continued growth on the squareWhether you're a local shopper, a small business owner looking for a low-barrier way to launch, or someone who loves a vibrant community gathering, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to grow a thriving farmers market from the ground up.Learn more & connect:Madison County Farmers Market: https://madisoncofarmersmarket.comMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison CountyShopping local at the farmers market puts dollars back into Madison County's economy, supports the people who grow and make things right here in our community, and gives every Saturday a little more life.#MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #FarmersMarket #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #SmallBusiness #IowaFarm #CommunityHeritage #Podcast
