Plus, witness a world record attempt.
 
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Sunrise 7:32 a.m. | Sunset 7:38 p.m.
 

Make your mark at the farmers market

Become a vendor at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Shoppers at vendor tents set up on downtown street
Sell your handmade, homemade, and homegrown goods. | Photo by @sarahmaephotography
Are you a small business owner looking to sell your goods to other Lakelanders? Check out the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This project by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority takes place on Kentucky Avenue each weekend and has grown to 100+ weekly vendors since starting in 2004.

With so many vendors, the market has recently changed its application process. Now, you can apply twice a year — in June and December. Here’s what to know as you prepare to apply.

A red booth at a farmers market

The market welcomes 3,500-5,500 customers each week.

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Photo via The Red Swan

The farmers market operates nearly every Saturday from September to July — that’s 45+ opportunities to sell your goods each year. Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. from September to May and 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. in June and July.

All new vendors begin as part-time (at least 12 weeks per year) and pay $30 per week for shared marketing costs. Full-time vendors must commit to at least six months of participation and pay $80-$100 per month.

Vendors are selected based on a variety of criteria, including the types of products they sell. The market emphasizes handmade + homemade items, so resellers and businesses there to advertise aren’t accepted. There’s also a maximum number of vendors allowed for each product category — check the list to see what’s at capacity.

LAL-Pochos-Mango-Farmers-Market-Nov-2023

Vendor categories include art, food, produce, plants, jewelry, and more.

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Photo by @allieseaay

Let’s talk licenses. If you’re hoping to sell food products, there may be license requirements through the Department of Agriculture or Department of Health. Plant sellers must also be licensed. If you sell your goods anywhere besides the farmers market, including online, don’t forget your business tax licenses.

Ready to apply? Read over the farmers market’s vendor FAQs, get familiar with the application process, and reach out to the market with any lingering questions before applications open June 1-30.
Asked

What’s your favorite thing to shop for at the farmers market?
A. Fresh produce
B. Food + drink
C. Plants
D. Jewelry
E. Textiles + goods
F. Something else
Share your shopping list
 
Events
Tuesday, March 19
  • LEGO Club | Tuesday, March 19 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Children and their guardians can build their own LEGO brick creations.
  • Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, March 19 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Take the stage or support local musicians at this open mic night in downtown Lakeland.
Wednesday, March 20
  • Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, March 20 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and water to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older — locations vary by day.
  • Salsa y Bachata Class + Dancing at Munn Park | Wednesday, March 20 | 6:15-10 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn a Latin dance and show off your new moves in a social dance under the stars.
Thursday, March 21
  • Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Thursday, March 21 | 6-7 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robins Rd., Lakeland | $15-$29 | Join a beginner-friendly, 45-minute yoga class or just hang out with the friendly goats.
  • Tap Takeover | Thursday, March 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free entry | Try beers by Central Florida-based Big Storm Brewing Co.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Wellness

These mood boosters have 25,000+ five-star reviews
a gif showing pictures of gummies, brownies, and caramels
Shop a variety of products from Mood like gummies, edibles, and sweet treats. | Photos provided by Mood; GIF created by 6AM City
Whether you need help concentrating, relaxing, or getting a good night’s sleep, Mood offers a variety of high-quality THCa products for whatever mood you’re feeling.

Grown by a small American family and lab-tested to ensure its quality, Mood’s shop features everything from flower and concentrates to gummies and vapes delivered straight to your door.

Pro tip: Fast nationwide shipping is free on orders over $100 with a 100-day, money-back guarantee.†
Use FIRST20 to get 20% off
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Mood advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City.
News Notes
Stat
  • 3.8%. That’s how much the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area’s population increased between July 2022 and July 2023. It was the second highest growth rate in the country, according to the US Census Bureau. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
  • Say hello to Amonie Jo’s Coffee Co., a new cafe coming to 401 S. Florida Ave. (below The Curated Collective). The owners previously operated in Winter Haven before making the move to downtown Lakeland. An opening date is TBA.
Biz
  • Looking good, LAL. Lakeland Linder International Airport unveiled a fresh logo yesterday featuring a swan + airplane design. Learn more about the logo before passenger flights begin this summer.
Lakelander
  • Deadlifting world champion Ayecia Bryant will attempt to break a Guinness World Record — and all of Lakeland is invited to watch. Head to Simpson Park Community Center on Saturday, April 13 to see if Bryant can lift at least 7,000 pounds in one minute. (WFTS)
Opening
  • Pupusas, quesabirria, and more international foods are on the menu at Mi Pueblo Flea Market’s new food truck park. Visit the grand opening at 2701 Swindell Rd. this Saturday, March 23 starting at 10 a.m. to find your new favorite food truck.
Cause
  • Two Men and a Truck is collecting items for mothers in need as part of its Movers for Moms initiative. Donate items at one of 15+ local drop-off locations to be distributed by Peace River Center this Mother’s Day.
Edu
  • Florida Polytechnic University’s next panel from the Office of Public Policy is coming up on Thursday, March 28 at 3:30 p.m. Join “Paging Dr. Art(ificial) Intelligence” to learn about the use of AI in healthcare from expert panelists.
Learn
  • Teens ages 13-18 can learn about poetry in a workshop led by Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes of Orange Blossom Poems. The free workshop takes place this Thursday, March 21, 4-6 p.m. at the Bartow Public Library.
Kids
  • Registration is now open for YMCA of West Central Florida’s summer camps. Sign up for full and half-day camps beginning June 3 at the Fontaine Gills YMCA, Lakeland Family YMCA, or YMCA Par 3 locations.
Try This
  • Congratulations to reader Abraham M., who was the first to get a 100% on our latest quiz about Lakeland locations. Your coffee must have been pretty strong at 6 a.m. Think you know the addresses of local landmarks? Try the quiz for yourself.
Travel
  • Weekend getaway, here you come. Hop on the 26 and make your way to Burnsville, NC, where shopping, hiking, dining, fishing + more await in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Need itinerary inspo? See Explore Burnsville’s top 10 things to do this spring.*
Wellness
 
Drink

☕️ It’s the final (g)round

Vote in LALtoday’s coffee shop bracket
A graphic reading "Coffee shop bracket: Final round." The two coffee shops are Andrew's Coffee and Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro.
Who will be crowned the champion? | Graphic by 6AM City
Welcome back to our LALtoday coffee shop bracket, where we’re asking you to determine the best coffee shop in Lakeland.

After 1,100+ votes rolled in during our second round, we’re down to the top two “teams”:
  • Andrew’s Coffee | This coffee shop is one of Lakeland’s newest. Originally named “happyfastdelicious,” it underwent a rebrand this year. Customers love its customizable coffees + energy drinks and drive-thru lane.
  • Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro | This longstanding cafe with three locations around town is known as “your anytime place.” Customers love its full food, drink, and coffee menu available throughout the day.
Ready to decide who wins in our bracket? Cast your vote.
Pick your winner
The Buy

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The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Did you vote yet? Now’s your last chance to choose your favorite coffee shop in Lakeland, and we’re on the edge of our seat. If you’re feeling inspired to grab a cup this morning, check out our list of cafes around town to find a new favorite.
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