Live Well Montgomery County Launches New Friday Evening Farmers Market in Red Oak and Stanton

A fresh and exciting Farmers Market experience is coming to Montgomery County this summer! Live Well Montgomery County 
(LWMC) is proud to announce the launch of a new Friday evening Farmers Market, starting May 23, 2025, and rotating weekly between Red Oak and Stanton through the end of September. 
This new initiative was developed after the Red Oak Farmers Market announced a pause in its operations for 2025. Recognizing the vital role that local food plays in community wellness, LWMC stepped forward to continue the legacy and energy of farmers markets in the area. 

“Live Well Montgomery County has long believed in the power of local food to bring people together,” said LWMC Board Chairman Laura Kloewer. “We’ve supported past market efforts and hosted markets at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, and we’re proud to step in and help continue this tradition. This new season builds on that foundation—keeping fresh, local food accessible while creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.” 

As a nonprofit dedicated to improving health through nutrition and access, LWMC also leads several other food-focused programs across the county, including: 

•  Community Gardens
•  Mobile Food Pantry
• Community Fridge
• Food Farmacy (in partnership with healthcare providers)
• And more!

The Friday evening format—from 3:00 to 6:30 PM, alternating weekly between Red Oak and Stanton—was selected to complement other local markets in the region, reduce competition between communities, and create more opportunities for collaboration. 

Jenna Ramsey from the Stanton Community Foundation expressed enthusiasm about the new 
partnership saying “Stanton is excited to partner with LWMC and the Red Oak Community to host Farmers Markets in 2025. We look forward to welcoming vendors and all to enjoy Downtown Stanton!” 

LWMC is coordinating the market with support from a team of dedicated partners and community members. Planning efforts have included collaboration with Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Montgomery County Public Health, Montgomery County ISU Extension & Outreach, John Blomstedt, Jenna Ramsey with the Stanton Community Foundation, Jan Castle Renander, and LWMC Board of Directors. The City Council in Stanton has expressed strong support for the market, which will be held downtown Stanton, and the Red Oak Park and Tree Board has approved the use of Fountain Square Park for Red Oak’s market dates. 

“As a vendor, I’m quite excited about the farmers market this summer,” said Jan Castle Renander of Renander Farms. “I’ve been testing some new recipes and think that rotating a market between Red Oak and Stanton is a fabulous idea! We’re too small a county to compete with each other. We need to work together. I’m really glad that Live Well Montgomery County is willing to coordinate the market. It opens up a lot of opportunities for market vendors and customers alike. Come see us Friday, May 23—we kick off the season in downtown Stanton!” 

Vendor applications will open soon, with flexible participation options: $50 for the full season or $10 per market for drop-in vendors. In addition to the regular weekly schedule from May 23– September 26, monthly themed markets are also planned for:
October – Harvest Market
November – Thanksgiving Market
December – Holiday Market
(Dates and locations to be announced)

“We’re encouraging other organizations and groups to partner with the market by hosting activities like food trucks, kids’ programming, or live music,” added Kloewer. “However, LWMC will be coordinating the farmers market only. Any additional events will need to be organized separately in collaboration with city leadership in Red Oak or Stanton.” 

Stay tuned for the official announcement of the full market schedule and upcoming details. 
For vendor information, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorship details, follow Live Well Montgomery County on social media or contact Laura Kloewer at 712.623.6491 or 
lauklo@mcmh.org.