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RUSTON, La. — The Ruston Farmers Market (RFM) welcomed supporters earlier this month at its annual autumn dinner, a celebration of growth, community engagement, and the year’s shared successes.
Hosted on October 2, the autumn dinner is the primary fundraiser for RFM and the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen. This year’s event featured a catered dinner by Desi Bourgeois of Grown and Grazed and a lively silent auction that raised over $6,000 to support future market initiatives.
RFM extends heartfelt thanks to the dinner’s generous sponsors: Flying Tiger Brewery (beer sponsor), Big Creek Farms (party favors sponsor), and corporate sponsors B1 Bank, Bromell Agency, Century Next Bank, Grown and Grazed, and Louisiana National Bank.
“Catering the annual Ruston Farmers Market Dinner is an honor for me. As a board member, I’m responsible for helping sustain the long-term success of North Louisiana Farm Fresh and the Ruston Farmers Market,” said Desi Bourgeois, North Louisiana Farm Fresh Board member and owner of Grown and Grazed and Heard Freighthouse Food Park.
“Each board member brings expertise to the table — mine happens to be hospitality. It makes me feel good to contribute in a way that utilizes my skills and promotes what the market does for our community. The market is a big reason Dianne and I decided to move back home, and we hope our efforts encourage others to do the same.”
Since 2007, RFM has worked to fulfill its mission of providing direct producer-to-consumer sales opportunities, supporting the development of a local food network, and promoting education in sustainable agriculture, health, and nutrition throughout North Louisiana.
After celebrating a milestone year in 2024 in which the market earned record-breaking vendor sales, RFM expanded its vendor radius this year to include the entire state of Louisiana and 150 miles outside of Ruston, opening the door for more regional producers, artisans, and makers to participate.
With the fall season underway, community members can look forward to a full calendar of events and activities. Weekly cooking classes are held at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, and registration is available now at rustonfarmersmarket.org under the “Shop” tab.
The market is also hosting a chili cookoff on November 15, so community members can show off their prized recipes. A festive gingerbread contest for children and adults will be held on December 13. Details for participating in both events will be shared soon.
RFM is also offering supporters the opportunity to win 50 lbs. of Angus ground beef and a seven-cubic-foot freezer sponsored by Grand Bayou Farms and Heard Freighthouse. Tickets can be purchased online or at the weekly market for $10 or 11 tickets for $100. The winner will be randomly drawn on December 20, 2025.
For more information about becoming a vendor, sponsoring an event, or signing up for classes, please contact info@rustonfarmersmarket.org.
