When we were in Des Moines, Iowa, in mid-June, weather was making the news. There were a tornado or two, thunderstorms, the rivers were at flood stage, and they were just recovering from recent hail storms.

But we were lucky to have a free Saturday, which translated into a visit to the Des Moines Farmers Market.

This is a primo event. A section of downtown is closed to traffic, and it fills with booths selling produce of all kinds, along with arts and crafts, and a extensive range of items for visitors and residents alike.

They say it’s one of the best farmers markets around, and it certainly could be.

We were there early in the morning, probably just before 8 a.m., and you can see that it was already quite busy. And it got busier as the day wore on.

Here’s what they say about its history:

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers and operated July – September. Today, the Market supports nearly 300 vendors and an average of 20,000 visitors each Saturday during May – October. The Downtown Farmers’ Market was recently named one of America’s Best Farmers Markets by Country Living magazine.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is produced by the Downtown Community Alliance and is presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. Media partner is Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.

This year, the Des Moines Farmers Market is open every Saturday, “rain or shine,” from May 3- October 25. If you have a chance to visit, don’t miss it.