The Monumental Marketplace is back and bigger this year, as Indiana Grown’s signature event returns to downtown Indianapolis on Friday, June 15. Located on Monument Circle, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hoosiers will be able to sip, sample and shop from more than 150 Indiana Grown vendors at this one-of-a-kind farmers market style experience.

“Our goal is to bring business owners, farmers and the greater community together to showcase and celebrate all-things Indiana agriculture,” said Bruce Kettler, Indiana State Department of Agriculture director. “Whether it’s eating, drinking or shopping local, there’s something for everyone this year, and we want to encourage families from all across the state to join us.”

Monumental Marketplace is free to attend and offers a variety of local lunch options, from tasty hand-breaded tenderloins to mouthwatering pork burgers. Attendees can build their own meals—complete with beverages and desserts—by stopping at the various tents and food trucks around the Circle.

For those 21 and over, Indiana-based wine, spirits and beer will also be available, and live entertainment will be provided by Indianapolis’ Pork and Beans Brass Band.

Heather Tallman, organizer of the marketplace, said one of the highlights of the event is meeting the makers behind a variety of Indiana Grown products.

“Monumental Marketplace is an experience,” Tallman said. “It’s a great way to connect with the individuals who make, grow and produce some of Indiana’s favorite products, which is what Indiana Grown is all about.”

In addition to food and beverages, the event will feature everything from locally-grown flowers to handmade beauty products, handbags and more. It will also spotlight members of Indiana’s agricultural community, like Red Gold Tomatoes.

“Red Gold is proud to be a member of Indiana Grown and is excited to return to the Monumental Marketplace this June,” said Colt Reichart, fourth-generation owner of Red Gold. “It’s a great event that unites the community with Hoosier-made products.”

The Indiana Grown initiative, nearing its third anniversary, helps consumers identify and buy products that are grown, raised, produced or processed in Indiana. By purchasing these products, Hoosiers are keeping their dollars and food close to home, while supporting job creation and preserving Indiana’s agricultural heritage.

For more information on the Monumental Marketplace, visit the event’s Facebook page, “Indiana Grown’s Monumental Marketplace” or follow along using the hashtag #IndianaGrown.

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ABOUT INDIANA GROWN
Indiana Grown is administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture in partnership with Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. The initiative educates consumers on the importance of buying Indiana Grown products, helps Indiana farmers and producers sell more products and supports Indiana processors in their effort to process more Indiana Grown products. Indiana Grown members and partners include farmers, producers, processors and artisans, as well as retailers, grocers, hospitals and restaurants. For more information, visit www.IndianaGrown.org.