Waguespack had enjoyed making different breads and noticed there was no local market they could find in Pearland to sell her goods in 2021. That is when the pair realized launching a farmers market was easier than they expected.
“Literally within less than six months, we had our first farmers market in Pearland. That is how easy it was,” Waguespack said.
The first market launched on Oct. 16, 2021. They had 12 vendors, one of which was Waguespack.
The Old Pearland Farmers Market has since expanded to more than 55 vendors with food trucks, bounce houses and a band. Waguespack tries to keep only one or two vendors for each product offered at the market to keep it fair for the vendors. Additionally, each vendor must live and farm within 100 miles of Pearland. The vendors at the event change monthly; it takes place on the third Saturday of each month.
“There are no big businesses. They have to be all local, handmade stuff—no retail items,” Waguespack said. “You get to support your neighbors. I didn’t know Pearland has their own rural farms. After researching, I found there are, like, 25 farms inside the city limits of Pearland.”
The market features items such as locally raised chicken and beef, fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, locally roasted coffee, honey, custom cookies and cakes, handmade crafts, ethnic foods, and soy candles. Many of the vendors offer samples of all of their items.
“This is not a traditional farmers market where it is just food. We have crafts and other handmade items,” Waguespack said.
Every month a local charity is selected to be highlighted at the market. The farmers market has helped local organizations, such as the Pearland Neighborhood Center.
“We just ask the community to help out, and they do,” she said.
Old Pearland Farmers Market
Independence Park,
3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland
[email protected]
https://oldpearlandfarmers.wixsite.com/opfm
Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. the third Saturday of each month
