Record crowds flock to Yale Farmers Market

YALE — The 2026 Farmers Market in Yale has been a huge success, for vendors and visitors alike. 

Each week seems to bring more excitement and anticipation to see what vendors have to offer. In recent weeks, coordinator Clintina Leigh has added inflatable activities for children, live entertainment and a car show.

“The response this year has been great. I was asked to do something to help bring people to Yale and I think we have done that,” Leigh told city council. “Everyone has been great to work with and we’ve had wonderful turnouts.”

Council agreed to allow a portion of Jones Street, near the intersection with West Mechanic Street to be blocked off for additional displays. The city parking lot by the library is still accessible as is access to Yale Apartments.

Last month, the farmers market coordinator said one week brought in 40 vendors and hundreds of people wanting to spend their money on everything from baked goods, to plants and flowers, to wood working crafts, food trucks and everything in between. There has been a wide variety of musical entertainment each week, leaving folks young and old dancing in the street.

The new location of the market has certainly been a hit with everyone. It was previously located in an open parcel where the “Old Dodge Garage” stood, prior to a major fire in the downtown area several years ago.