07/25/2026
The Story Behind The Pampa Farmers Market
More than twelve years ago, I (Natalie Knutson) traded the suburbs of Chicago and the outskirts of Denver for a small town in the Texas Panhandle. Like anyone moving somewhere new, I was looking for a place to belong. But I also saw something else, a community full of talented people who needed a place to share what they created.
Having lived in larger communities where farmers markets and artisan events brought people together, I knew Pampa had the potential for something similar. I believed local farmers, bakers, artists, crafters, and makers deserved an outlet to showcase their talents while giving our community access to fresh food and handcrafted goods.
My journey began by volunteering with the organizers of the Top O' Texas Trade Days. They wanted to expand beyond the rodeo by creating vendor events, and I was eager to help. I recruited vendors, promoted the shows, and worked to introduce more locally made products to the community. Those experiences planted the seed for something even bigger.
As someone who wasn't born and raised in Pampa, finding my place wasn't always easy. Over the years, I joined local organizations, created a student photography contest, organized craft shows, explored the idea of a community co-op, started a community garden that turned into a school garden, met with city leaders, became involved with the Downtown Business Association, and looked for every opportunity to contribute. While not every door opened, I never stopped believing that this community deserved something special.
In 2018, I connected with Green Wolf Vertical Farm, a local grower whose passion matched my own. My original plan was simple: I offered to personally sell her produce at a small farmers market. Instead, we partnered to create a short-lived farm-fresh box co-op in a local parking lot. Although it didn't last, I consider that the true beginning of what would become The Pampa Farmers Market.
The following year, in 2019, I began selling Green Wolf Vertical Farm's products in the parking lot of Tractor Supply. It was a modest beginning, but it marked the official birth of The Pampa Farmers Market.
The early years were anything but easy. I spent countless hours searching Facebook and Google for farmers, bakers, artists, and makers, personally inviting them to bring their products to Pampa. Every season came with new challenges, unexpected obstacles, and people who questioned whether a farmers market belonged here. There were moments when it would have been easier to quit, but every challenge only strengthened my determination to keep moving forward.
Eventually, after several growing pains and changes in location, Bartlett's Lumber & Hardware graciously welcomed us. They believed in our mission and gave us a place to grow. Thanks to their support, The Pampa Farmers Market has found a home where local vendors and community members can gather each week to celebrate fresh food, homemade goods, and handcrafted art.
When I first moved to Pampa, I came because I had found the love of my life and wanted to build a family here. Along the way, Pampa became more than just the place I lived, it became the community I wanted to serve.
Today, The Pampa Farmers Market is more than a market. It's a gathering place where neighbors support neighbors, where small businesses can take their first steps, where children learn where food comes from, and where the talents of local farmers, bakers, artisans, and makers are celebrated.
This has never been about me. It has always been about building something that brings people together. My hope is that for many years to come, The Pampa Farmers Market will continue to strengthen our community by connecting people with fresh, locally grown food, home-baked treats, handmade art, and the hardworking individuals who make them. We really do have the most amazingly talented vendors. Please come out and support them!
*And yes, truth be told this is an AI generated photo of me. I feel uncomfortable looking fake but I don’t have any professional photos of myself. If there are any local photographers who would like to come to The Pampa Farmers Market and photograph all of our amazing vendors in real time, please reach out!!!
The Pampa Farmers Market is located under the awning at:
Bartlett’s Lumber and Hardware
2412 Perryton Parkway in Pampa
We are open 8:00am - 12:00pm every Saturday from the first Saturday in July, through the last Saturday in September.
