OVIEDO, Fla. – The Oviedo Farmers Market has become a staple in the community.
Dozens of vendors set up under a huge oak tree in front of the historic Lawton House at 200 West Broadway.
The market attracts hundreds of people on the first and third Saturday of every month, so we thought it would be the perfect place to ask residents what they thought made Oviedo special.
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Delaney Warner is the Oviedo Farmers Market manager.
“The Farmers Market has been a tradition for so long now,” Warner said. “The original intent of the market was to bring people into the Lawton House. We had the museum open only during markets so that when people are walking around, they can also stop by and maybe get a tour and look at the different artifacts.”
Warner said there’s usually something for everyone.
“We have woodworking vendors, stylized cup makers, and bakeries. We even brought in a pet grooming vendor, so people can bring their pets and get them groomed,” he said.
Jim Ford is a regular. He sells edible and ornamental plants under the name Grower Jim’s Plants and Produce.
“I like it because of the small-town atmosphere,” he said. “Everybody’s really friendly here. It’s a great market and a lot of people have been coming here for years.”
Warner says Ford’s experience is not unique. She emphasized the community feel, where vendors build relationships with regular customers.
“A lot of the vendors care so much about Oviedo, and they get to know the regulars,” she said. “That’s really special.”
Ian and Jess Tasman were taking in the pleasant weather with their newborn, Lyla.
“It’s the first day in her stroller,” Ian said. “We just wanted to get some fresh air.”
The couple just recently opened a pharmacy in town and have been welcomed by the community.
“Oviedo is one of the remaining small-town-type environments in Central Florida,” Ian said. “You really have a family feel here.”
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“In Florida it seems like everyone is from somewhere else,” Jess added. “Oviedo isn’t like that. Everyone is from here they grew up here you know everyone, everyone knows you. It’s just a beautiful small town feel.”
Oviedo itself holds a unique charm, blending small-town warmth with growth.
“You come here, and you really have that small-town feel, but at the same time, it’s growing and evolving,” Warner said. “There’s so much to explore, and there’s such rich history.”
While growth brings challenges, such as increased traffic, Warner believes it is part of the town’s evolution.
“With growth, you’re going to get backlash,” she said. “There are pros and cons. I’ve watched this town change right before my eyes after being here for over 15 years.”
The farmers market operates on the first and third Saturdays of each month, but takes a break in July due to the heat.
“We have a lot of regular vendors, but we also bring in new people,” Warner said. “We want to provide the community with a place they can go. A lot of markets around Orlando are really big and might be overwhelming, and just not as personal.”
Warner is also excited about potential changes to the market, including adjusting operating hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. instead of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We’re trying to make some changes to the market,” she said. “I think the market definitely reflects the town’s essence. It’s small and quaint, but you have a lot to discover.”