Destination Saturday market set to open at Scissortail Park in spring 2020
The Farmers Market at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City will merge with Scissortail Park this spring to create a destination Saturday market in the heart of downtown, leaders from the university and park announced today.
The move will allow the market to increase in both number of vendors and variety of offerings, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) President Brad Williams said.
“We are thrilled to partner with Scissortail Park to bring this expanded vision of the market to the people of Oklahoma City,” Williams said. “The location next to the new convention center will help create a destination for local residents and tourists alike.”
Scissortail Park was created through the MAPS 3 capital improvements plan, which was approved by voters in 2009. The 70-acre, $132 million park hosted a fall farmers market in October. Plans now call for the market to be open each year from April through October.
The move from the OSU-OKC campus to Scissortail Park allows the market to expand exponentially and provide a more robust and enriching experience for visitors, Williams said, while at the same time providing valuable programming at the park. In addition, it allows OSU-OKC to fulfill its land-grant mission by helping coordinate educational programming at the market and park.
Scissortail Park Executive Director Maureen Heffernan said the merger allows leaders to deliver on a key goal for the park.
“One of our visions for Scissortail Park was to create a bustling Saturday morning farmers market with grown-in-Oklahoma produce and foods, along with music and activities for visitors to enjoy,” Heffernan said. “Therefore, we are beyond thrilled that the OSU-OKC Farmer’s Market is merging with Scissortail Park next year.
“Setting a wonderful farmers market in a beautiful park creates an exciting destination for all on Saturday mornings in downtown Oklahoma City.”
Plans call not only for growth in the number of vendors at the market, but the regular addition of performers, food demonstrations and seasonal activities to make it into a weekly experience all guests can enjoy. Leaders from the university and park said they believe the market will become a regional and even national tourist destination.
The Scissortail market will be located at the northeast corner of Scissortail Park, adjacent to the performance stage. The existing market on the OSU-OKC campus will remain open through the end of February.
OSU-OKC and Scissortail Park leaders will assist vendors with the transition to the park, and also accept applications for new vendors. Those interested should contact Lance Swearengin, director of Horticulture and Grounds for Scissortail Park, at (405) 445-0480 or farmersmarket@scissortailpark.org.
Additional information about the OSU-OKC Farmers Market is available at www.osuokc.edu/farmersmarket.