(Article Submitted by Ciara Hoegh, Market Manager)
(Atlantic) Hot summer days are best paired with cool water activities, which is why Produce in the Park is celebrating with water-themed fun on July 30.
Among several water-themed activities planned for the evening will be a free kids bike washing station. Kids can use the water to cool themselves off or keep their rides shining. Volunteers from Atlantic Parks and Rec and Nishna Valley Trails will be assisting with the bike washing fun, and the Kiwanis will be giving away a limited number of free helmets. Children are encouraged to bring their bikes to the park on July 30
Additionally, Iowa State University Extension will set up a conservation station in the park where community members can learn about water and conservation. Ice-cold beverages are another way to beat the heat, and July 30 farmers market visitors are invited to relax in the shade with fresh-squeezed lemonade, craft mocktails, or wine slushies while enjoying live music from country band Ridge Runners sponsored by Rolling Hills Bank.
Tomatoes are now in season, and tomato is the featured food at the farmers market July 30. Farmers market sponsor Hy-Vee will be sharing free samples of a recipe featuring tomatoes. Cass Health Registered Dietitian Sarah Andersen shares some health benefits of tomatoes: “Tomatoes are one of the best dietary sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Cooking tomatoes (such as in sauces) increases lycopene availability.” Sarah also notes that tomatoes are a good source of potassium, an important electrolyte for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
Food trucks at the park on July 30 include Barrel Smoke BBQ, Liza’s Sushi, Spirits of the Faire Fresh Squeezed Lemonade and Craft Drinks, and Lucky Wife Wine Slushies.
Produce in the Park is able to provide a variety of fun all summer long thanks to its sponsors. Businesses and organizations supporting Produce in the Park as Annual Sponsors for the 2026-2027 season include the City of Atlantic, First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cass Health, Atlantic Hy-Vee, Cass County Tourism, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Gregg Young Chevrolet of Atlantic, and the Nishna Valley YMCA. Sponsors for the month of July include Community First Credit Union and REM Iowa.
Produce in the Park is held every Thursday evening in the Atlantic City Park from 4:30–6:30 PM from June through September. All are welcome, and admission is free. The market accepts SNAP/EBT, SUN Bucks (Summer EBT available to children) and Double Up Food Bucks, which provide two-for-one produce coupons for any produce purchased at the farmers market with a SNAP/EBT or SUN Bucks card. Recipients of SUN Bucks are reminded that the funds expire 122 days after distribution.
Produce in the Park continues to accept vendor and sponsor applications for summer markets in the Atlantic City Park. Applications can be completed online at www.ProduceInTheParkAtlanticIowa.com, and printed copies are available at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 50022). Produce in the Park welcomes vendors selling handmade or homegrown products, including local foods and baked goods, crafts, art, decorations, and plants.
For the latest information on all Produce in the Park markets, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/). To sign up to Produce in the Park’s newsletter, visit https://gmail.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d5290b0b52af1fa68e64cc480&id=51502aed40.
