Every Saturday morning, vendors set up in the shaded canopy area of the Frontier Texas parking lot across from The Well Church in downtown Abilene. Opening at 8 a.m., vendors greet customers with a range of options, from free samples to personalized recommendations. The market fosters friendships that transcend differences in background and age.
Becky Lovvorn, manager of the market and owner of MLFarms, expresses satisfaction with her role in organizing the event. She values the genuine community connections that make the additional work worthwhile. "We're all friends," Loven said. "I don’t want to call us family because families fight a lot more than we do, but we’re all friends. We look out for each other, and we are honestly each other's biggest supporters."
Each vendor at the market has a unique story behind their products, allowing customers to appreciate the passion and pride involved. Randy Billings, owner of Abilene Pecan, enjoys sharing details about his products. "Pawnee is a wonderful early-season pecan," he said. "They have such a mild flavor and are great for cooking or snacking. Pecans are a healthy food, and Pawnee pecans are a wonderful addition."
The thoroughness and transparency of vendors like Billings appeal to customers. Daphne Crane, representing the fifth generation at Crane Ranch Beef, takes pride in the quality of her products. USDA checks confirm their meat is free of hormones, fertilizers, and antibiotics. "I believe your name and reputation stand behind you," Crane said. "If we don’t know an answer, we admit it. I want to be upfront and truthful about our meat and how we raise it."
Over the past four decades, the market has evolved beyond selling vegetables to include honey, soap, candies, baked goods, fresh meat, and handmade crafts. Local musicians perform live music each week, enhancing the market’s atmosphere.
This year, the market has begun accepting WIC payments and is working towards accepting SNAP and EBT. Long-time vendors and customers embrace these changes and enjoy witnessing the community's growth.
Leslie Andrews, a long-time customer, values the market's role in supporting local businesses and fostering connections. "We own a business here in town," she said. "They support us, and we support them. You'd be surprised how global Abilene can be."
The market’s ability to bring people together was highlighted when Andrews discovered a familial connection with another customer. "She’s related to me," the customer said. "I was Melissa's aunt. Small world."
Andrews is optimistic about the market's future, hoping for year-round operations with indoor accommodations and possibly food trucks. For now, she continues to enjoy the locally produced goods and the sense of community the market brings to downtown Abilene each Saturday morning.