Market Voices - Tucumcari Farmers Market

Grab your reusable tote bags and a cup of local coffee! Welcome to this episode of Market Voices, where we’re celebrating the bumper crop of a season we’ve had at the Tucumcari Route 66 Farmer’s Market. You can usually find our tents pitched at the corner of Route 66 Boulevard and Date Street on Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to noon, but today we’re talking about how we’re putting this amazing 2026 season to bed.
Episode Highlights

• Wrapping Up the Harvest: Market Manager Jonna Stanger stopped by the booth to chat about the season. Even with the intense summer heat throwing a bit of a wrench in the vegetable patch, our community showed up big time to support our local growers and makers. Don't miss our final market on the 24th—it's your absolute last chance to empty your wallets of those Double Up Bucks and senior WIC cards for the season. And good news for your pantry: the new Protein Plus program will keep running through next June, even while the physical market is closed for the winter.
  
• A True Community Potluck: Events coordinator Marie Nava is inviting everyone to a big community potluck right after the tents come down at the last market. Bring a favorite homemade dish, pull up a chair, and let's celebrate the harvest while breaking bread with our neighbors.
  
• Sizzling at the Chef Showdown: We caught up with our Chef Showdown Champion, Yolanda Nava, to hear the strategy behind her winning recipe. She went with a major crowd-pleaser: a loaded local hamburger quesadilla packed with garlic, onions, and lots of cheese, topped off with sour cream and a cucumber-lime dressing, plus a fresh cucumber and onion salad on the side. She also gave us the friendly farmer's gossip on the competition, noting that competitor Rod Mason spread himself a bit too thin on his menu, while Britney took home a well-earned third place.
  
• Growing Together: Co-market manager Rod Mason shared just how much our market family has blossomed—growing from a humble start of just three vendors and under 100 folks, to bustling Saturday mornings with 19 vendors and up to 300 visitors! Huge shoutouts go to Butterbliss Bakery for their incredible cinnamon rolls and ganache-filled cupcakes, vendor Kathy Ray for selling completely out of her goods in just 10 minutes, and the wonderful folks who rode the patron bus all the way in from the Logan senior center.
  
• Market Magic: Lalo the Magician talked about the joy of keeping the kids entertained while the parents shop the stalls. He also shared some fun local updates: you can catch him playing Street Fighter at the Odeon this coming week, and keep an ear out for a local Christmas festival that will feature a screening of the classic 1970s Grinch movie.
  
• The Farmer's Winter Hustle: Long-time regular Darrel Baker gave us a peek into farm life as the seasons change. While his farm is pivoting from green chile to grasshoppers, he reminded us that there's no real "off-season" for the folks growing our food. Farmers are already turning the dirt in their fields, ordering seeds, and aiming to get their garlic in the ground right by Thanksgiving Day.

Welcome back to a brand-new season of Market Voices, the podcast that brings you the heart, soul, and flavor of the Tucumcari Farmers Market! In this Season 3 premiere, host Bobby Hockaday hits the grounds on Opening Day to chat with the vendors, organizers, and local leaders who make this community gathering spot so special.

From freshly baked cottage treats to a packed summer lineup of live music, cooking competitions, and magic shows, find out why the Tucumcari Route 66 Farmers Market is the place to be this season.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear From:

• Jonna Stanger (Market Manager): On the excitement of being back, upcoming Cakewalk days, and a brand-new Magic Day coming this October.

  
  

• Brittany Edwards (Chaotic Goods Bakery): The reigning Chef Throwdown champion shares what she’s bringing to the booth this year (hello, chocolate chip pecan cookies!) and throws down the gauntlet for future challengers.

  
  

• Rod Mason: Market favorite and past "second-place champ" talks hosting duties and sizing up this year's culinary competition.

  
  

• Mayor Marcy Willis (Butter Bliss Bakery): The Mayor shares her passion for scratch-made cottage baking using local resources, and why healthy, local food matters to Tucumcari.

  
  

• Marie Nava (Event Coordinator): Walks us through the incredibly packed 2026 event calendar—featuring Kids Day, American Pie Day, a Route 66 100th Birthday booth competition, and the 50/50 raffle.

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Check out Butter Bliss Bakery and Chaotic Goods Bakery on Facebook to place your orders!

  
  

• Stop by the manager's booth to get your 50/50 Raffle Tickets from Jonna.

  
  

Save these dates mentioned in the episode:

🗓️ The Tucumcari Farmers Market 2026 Event Calendar

• Next Weekend: Live Music with Guillermo Ramirez

• July 25: Kids Day (Face painting, art tables, petting zoo, bouncy house)

• August 1: Music in the Park

• August 8: American Pie Day

• August 15: The Chef Showdown (6 competitive slots open!)

• August 22: Live Music

• August 29: Club Day

  
  

• September 12: Route 66 100th Birthday Booth Decoration Competition

• September 29: Community Day

• October 3: The Famous $1 Cakewalk

• October 10: Live Music

• October 17: Magic Show with Lalo from the Radio Station

• Market Finale: Community Potluck & 50/50 Raffle Payout

📌 Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome to Market Voices Season 3!

• 00:14 – Checking in with Market Manager Jonna Stanger

• 01:22 – Defending the Title: Brittany Edwards & Chaotic Goods Bakery

• 03:06 – Trash Talk & Team Player: Rod Mason

• 04:04 – Baking from Scratch with Mayor Marcy Willis (Butter Bliss Bakery)

• 06:12 – The Ultimate 2026 Event Calendar with Marie Nava

• 10:03 – Outro: See You Saturday at Wailes Park!

In this episode of Market Voices, we talk with Caryle Stewart and Philip Box from the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU). We discuss how the RMFU serves as a crucial voice for small family farms and ranches, advocating for their needs through education, legislation, and cooperation. The conversation also highlights the Agwell initiative, a vital program that addresses farmer and rancher wellness, behavioral health, and suicide prevention by fostering social connection and providing essential resources.

On this vibrant Saturday, we dive into the heart of the Tucumcari Farmer's Market. Host Bobby Hockaday chats with Market Manager Jonna Stanger about the market's recent growth, the return of live music, and the exciting upcoming Kids Day. Darrell and Sally of Genesis Gardens share the joys and tremendous effort behind bringing fresh produce to the community, reminding us, "You either buy medicine or buy good food." We also meet Jason Lamb of the NM Quay County Extension Office, who discusses his own JK Farms and the valuable resources available for aspiring growers through the Beginning Farmer Program.

Later, Event Coordinator Marie Nava of Rancho Alma Linda highlights the market's role as a community builder and gives a sneak peek at future events like the Chef Showdown. We then connect with the Quay County Health Council and Huffman Counseling and Wellness and Dr Tina Guerrero, who discuss the vital link between local food, community, and overall well-being. From fresh vegetables and baked goods to conversations about soil health and mental wellness, this episode captures the diverse voices that make the Tucumcari Farmer's Market a true community hub

Market Voices - Preseason Plans!

Get ready for the 2025 Tucumcari Farmers Market! Join Market Manager Jonna Stanger, Events Chair Marie Nava, and Rod Mason of Heavy Meadow Farms as they reveal exciting plans for the upcoming season. We dive into what worked, what didn't, and what's brand new for this year!

Hear about the return of the thrilling Chef Throwdown – and how you can get involved! Plus, we're calling all musicians and performers! From rock bands to harpists, dancers to country singers, we want YOU to bring your talent to the market.

Mark your calendars! The market runs from July 12th to October 18th. Find out how local farmers can join and sell their goods, and how you can be a part of this vibrant community gathering.

Tune in to discover:

• The market's 2025 dates and exciting events.
• Details on the Chef Throwdown and how to participate.
• The call for musicians and performers of all kinds.
• How local farmers can get involved.
• Where to find more information on Facebook and at the market itself.

Don't miss out on the fun! The Tucumcari Farmers Market is more than just shopping – it's a community celebration.

Market Voices is edited and produced by Robert F. Hockaday, celebrating the heart and soul of the Tucumcari Farmers Market.

Tanya McCain is a local entrepreneur and stay-at-home mother who has brought a sweet twist to the Tucumcari Farmer's Market. Her passion for crafting delicious and unique treats has led her to create a line of freeze-dried candies.

Join us as Tanya shares her journey of starting her business and her love for the farmer's market. Discover the secrets behind her mouthwatering candies and learn why they're a must-try for any sweet tooth. Don't miss this opportunity to meet the talented vendor behind one of the market's most popular treats.

This week on MarketVoices, we chat with Sam Mach of Black Hawk Ranch. A long-time vendor at the Tucumcari Farmers Market, Sam shares her love for interacting with the community. From fresh eggs to delicious treats for both humans and pets, Black Hawk Ranch offers a unique variety of products. As we explore the market's vibrant atmosphere,Sam shares her hopes for its future, including the desire for more shade and continued community engagement. Join us for a fun and engaging conversation with a local farmer who loves what she does.

Get ready to meet the delightful Tammy Williams, the heart and soul behind Branru Farm! This week on MarketVoices,we sit down with her to chat about her goat dairy and the incredible products she crafts. Tammy’s passion for her farm and her genuine love for the Tucumcari Farmers Market shine through as she shares her hopes for the market's growth. Join us for a down-to-earth conversation about community, creativity, and the joy of supporting local businesses.

Check out Branru Farm's website

This Friday on MarketVoices, we meet the dynamic duo behind Sprague Family Farm, Patty and Cherie. As first-time vendors at the Tucumcari Farmers Market, they share their excitement about connecting with the local community. We learn about their unique produce, including the eye-catching orange cucumbers, and their passion for gardening. Patty and Cherie highlight the supportive atmosphere among fellow vendors and how the market has become a place to share their love of fresh, homegrown food. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of community and the joy of farm-fresh produce.

This week on MarketVoices, we chat with local farming duo, Rain and Rick Miller. They share their love for the Tucumcari Farmers Market and how it brings the community together. From the challenges of this year's growing season to their hopes for the market's future, Ryan and Rick offer a down-to-earth perspective on what it means to be a local farmer. We also explore ideas for enhancing the market experience, like adding more shade, live music, and community gathering spots. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about the importance of supporting local farmers and building a stronger community.