Blue River Wranglers 4-H Club Brings Community and Youth Together at the Stilwell Farmers Market
The families in the Blue River Wranglers 4-H Club are no strangers to hard work, and their efforts shine at the Stilwell Farmers Market. This 4-H club, whose members are involved in everything from livestock to woodworking, sewing, foods, and flowers, has taken on the challenge of creating and running a community Farmers Market in the heart of Stilwell, Kansas.
What began as a simple inquiry about hosting a one-day egg and produce stand quickly grew into something much larger. Offered the opportunity to launch a full farmer's market, the Blue River Wranglers embraced the challenge. With most families driving 15–20 minutes to visit the nearest farmer’s market, the idea of bringing one closer to home and raising funds for the club seemed like a perfect fit.
The market is held weekly on Tuesdays from mid-June through mid-September at the corner of 199th and Metcalf, just down the road from where the club meets. What started with just eight vendors has now blossomed into a consistent 30 or more, offering a wide variety of homegrown and homemade goods. Alicia Van Gotten, a parent in the club, advises that “visitors will find everything from Beef, pork, and chicken raised just a few miles from Stilwell, many of which are raised by 4-H families in both Johnson and Miami counties. Honey made by Stilwell bees, just around the corner from the market. Backyard and market garden produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, onions, potatoes, greens, melons and squash. Live plants raised by neighbors. And, OH the baked goods! Organic sourdough baked the same day you buy it (come early, vendors are typically sold out by 6pm), other sourdough fancies like cinnamon rolls, cookies and focaccia breads. Homemade pasta, sweet and quick breads, ice cream and freeze-dried candy!”
The market also features vendors making tallow and organic skin products with simple ingredients that are easy to pronounce. There are several gluten-free options, including one baker with a dedicated celiac-friendly cottage kitchen. Rainbow eggs and homemade jams and jellies with simple ingredients (and some exciting ingredients like strawberry prosecco or crabapple blossom). Top all that off with hand-squeezed lemonade! (and there are even homemade gourmet dog treats)!
But the market is about more than food. It’s about connection. Customers don’t just stop in and shop they come to chat with the farmers and bakers, ask questions about how products are made, and share updates about family and community life. The relationships built between vendors, customers, and 4-H youth have made the market a true gathering place.
Blue River Wranglers 4-H members play an active role each week, arriving early to help vendors unload and set up, staffing the 4-H information table, collecting booth fees, and offering complimentary bottled water to vendors. The club has also built a partnership with the Johnson County Extension Education Foundation, working as the 501c3 in order to process vendor fees more efficiently. At the close of the evening, they help pack up tents and tables and clean the grounds before heading home. Members have learned the value of service, teamwork, and conversation—all while having fun with their 4-H friends.
The market has also sparked entrepreneurial spirit among members. One youth learned to make pretzels and now sells them at the market, while another raised African violets for sale. The hands-on experience of turning projects into small businesses is giving youth valuable life lessons.
The rewards go beyond business, though. Their work has drawn many new families to 4-H, with several even joining the club after visiting the 4-H booth at the market. Vendors and customers alike often remark how special it is to see young people working hard and working together.
Looking ahead, the club hopes to continue growing the market with new themed nights, such as “Paint the Night Green” to honor 4-H, and even hosting a pet adoption night in partnership with a local shelter. This season’s “Barn to Basket” raffle, where vendors donated items for a prize basket, was a favorite memory, showing just how generous and community-minded the vendors are.
The best way to support the market is simple—come! Bring a friend, spread the word, or apply to be a vendor at stilwellfarmersmarket.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting stilwellmarket@gmail.com. And when you visit, don’t forget to stop by the 4-H Table, where club members will happily share about their projects and offer a tasty treat.
The Stilwell Farmers Market is more than a place to shop—it’s a place to connect, support local families, and watch young people grow as leaders in their community.
If you and your family are interested in joining a culture of learning, growing and support for youth as they explore their interests, join Johnson County 4-H! Enrollment for the new 4-H year begins October 1st, Learn more at https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/4-h/
by Lexi Ray, 4-H Agent 2025