about us
Come experience the vibrant Lakes Area Farmers Market, where local growers, artisans, and the Greater Spirit Lake community come together! Located indoors at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Spirit Lake, IA, this market offers a unique opportunity to shop fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, and more—all in a welcoming, community-centered environment.
Open June through September, the market is available every Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Saturday mornings from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Whether you’re picking up fresh vegetables, artisanal crafts, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, the Lakes Area Farmers Market is the perfect place to connect with your community and support local businesses.
Don’t miss out—stop by and see what’s in season!
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Bill Brandt
Hi I am Bill Brandt, I have been vending at this Lakes Area Farmers Market for over 20 years now and wish this LAFM organization to continue to serve the Iowa Lakes Greater Community. I have farmed for nearly 50 years and for the past 20 plus years I have grown vegetables on 6 acres of land and have 3 greenhouses that assist our growing of food business, Brandt Gardens & Greenhouse LLC.
Sue Boettcher
I am the Adult Program Coordinator for ISU Extension & Outreach Dickinson County. I’m excited to be part of the “new” Lakes Area Farmers Market non-profit organization and to help promote this amazing market. Working with ISU Extension, I am able to share lots of resources the University has around Gardening, Canning and Food Preparation. I have a large vegetable garden, with my brother and his family, as well as maintain a fruit garden on my acreage. There is nothing like fresh vegetables and fruit from the garden! As the Market Promotion Coordinator I will work to spread the word about the great vendors and products we have at this market. Local Growers, Local Artisans, Connected Community!
Susan Hoien
I have always been passionate about seeking out fresh locally grown organic food for my family and have always supported the local farmers markets where ever I have lived. Both my girls and my grandchildren have diets predominantly consisting of locally grown organic foods whenever possible. When the new board was forming I thought I should use my business experience, creativity and my experience with philanthropic endeavors to do whatever I could to help grow and expand the Lakes Area Farmers Market with a board whose goal is the same!
Ryan Henderson
Ryan Henderson is the owner of Billie Jo's Bar & Grill in Algona, a role he's proudly held for over 20 years, and the baker behind Thinline Bakeshop. This is his second year with the Lakes Area Farmers Market, where his favorite part-hands down-is the people. Ryan attended lowa State University and is married to his wife Tammy, sharing a family of three sons and eight grandchildren. He is an active member of the Bread Bakers Guild of America and has a particular love for ancient grains-especially Einkorn, his favorite to work with. Thinline Bakeshop is built on a simple belief: bread should do more than fill a table-it should tell a story. Ryan works with stone-milled flour sourced directly from farmers, values slow fermentation over shortcuts, and believes flour shouldn't be anonymous, resulting in bread with real flavor, real character, and stupid good. When he's not baking or working, summers usually find him on the water, and winters are best spent in Florida when possible.
Jan Koenecke
I have been a vendor at Lakes Area Farmers Market for over 20 years and I want to see it thrive and grow for our local growers, bakers, and crafters.
Lakes Area Farmers Market 2026
Tentatively Scheduled Board Meetings