Laurel Farmers Market gives entrepreneurs room to grow

LAUREL — The Laurel Farmers Market becomes more than a place to shop on Saturday mornings and transforms the parking lot of Crow’s Nest Antiques into a gathering place where community members connect, entrepreneurs share their passions and small businesses find room to grow.

Running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday during the summer, the market began its second season in mid-May and is expected to continue through at least Labor Day, according to market organizer Marge Thompson of Laurel.

Thompson took over as organizer in May. Last year the market made its inaugural debut during Ag Days under the market’s previous organizer, Vanessa Schurman, with vendors setting up shop every other Saturday. This year’s market schedule has been changed to every Saturday, but the market’s mission of promoting small businesses and fostering community connection remains the same.

For Randolph baker Renae Nordhues, owner of Renae’s Sweet Cravings, the market provides an opportunity to share a lifelong passion.

“Being in the kitchen has been always my happy place,” Nordhues said. “It just brings me joy to be able to cater to people’s needs because it’s like baking is a lost craft anymore.”

Nordhues began her cottage bakery business in 2025 and joined the Laurel Farmers Market last year. She specializes in breads, pies, caramel popcorn and mini cheesecakes. She said preserving traditional baking methods is one of her goals.

“It’s nice to be able to keep bringing that along these new generations that are coming here,” she said. “Just being able to bring back what we grew up with is kind of my hope and goal with this.”

The Laurel Farmers Market has become a place for new and experienced entrepreneurs alike. This year, Sioux City resident Kay Keenan brought her family’s growing collection of small businesses to Laurel for the first time.

Keenan, originally from Winside, sells Mary Kay products while her husband creates 3D-printed items, and her daughters offer custom presson nails and crocheted goods.

“We’re always looking to expand our business,” Keenan said. “If you want to have a small business succeed, you have to expand your territory. You have to expand and get out of your comfort zone.”

The market also serves as a launch pad for young entrepreneurs. Hannah Hart of Laurel recently started Hannah’s Cake Pops after discovering the treats online and deciding to try making them herself. Just weeks after starting her business, she has already become a regular vendor.

“I’ve seen these cake pops all over online, and I just thought they’d be fun to make,” Hart said. “So, I decided to try them one day and it’s been fun ever since.”

Hart, who will be a high school senior this fall at LCC, said one of the most rewarding parts of market day is seeing customers enjoy her products. She said her involvement in Future Business Leaders of America also helped spark an entrepreneurial mindset.

For Megan Pippitt of Laurel, owner of Homemeg Bakery, the market is about more than selling sourdough bread and baked goods. It is an investment in the community.

“Any time that we can draw people to spend money in our town is good for our community,” Pippitt said.

Preparing for market day takes time and dedication. Despite the work involved, Pippitt said she enjoys the opportunity to connect with others.

That sense of connection is a common theme among vendors. Nordhues said the market’s impact extends beyond individual businesses.

“When you look at it, it shows the hard work and the dedication from everybody’s craft,” Nordhues said. “The nice thing about farmers markets is it’s not just strictly food. It’s a wide variety of goods and services.”

Nordhues believes supporting local vendors helps families and strengthens the local economy, and she said her favorite part of market day is promoting other vendors by word-of-mouth recommendations.

“It’s nice to support these families that take their time and their inventory and being able to share that with everybody,” Nordhues said.

Keenan echoed that sentiment, noting the important role small businesses play in rural communities.

“If you don’t have things that draw them or have something there in small towns, they’ll all go away,” she said. “It is important to support local businesses and support each other, and it’s a family community when you live in small towns.”

As shoppers browse vendor booths and visit with neighbors, the Laurel Farmers Market continues to fulfill a purpose larger than commerce. It provides a place where local talent is celebrated, relationships are built across generations and community spirit thrives one market day at a time.