Who we are

The Madison County Farmer’s Market has been a beloved tradition in Winterset, Iowa. The market is going into its 32nd seasons in 2025. As an unincorporated non-profit association, our mission is to support local farmers, artisans, and small businesses while giving back to the community we call home.

Founded in Winterset and continuing in the heart of Madison County, our market has thrived under dedicated leadership. For the last 14 years, Donna Von Rentzell Carey served as market manager, helping grow and sustain our vibrant vendor community. In 2025, the market enters a new chapter under the management of Clinton & Kelli Eshelman, who are committed to preserving its welcoming spirit and growing its community impact.

Starting in 2025, a portion of the proceeds from vendor fees will be donated to local non-profits and/or the Winterset Community School’s lunch program, thereby helping families in need and strengthening our community. When you shop at the Madison County Farmer’s Market, you’re not just supporting local businesses—you’re investing in the well-being of your community.

Join us in celebrating fresh produce, handmade goods, and a strong sense of community at the Madison County Farmer’s Market!

Entrance to park with water tower, surrounded by trees and outdoor market stalls, including tents and tables with items for sale.
Market managers, Clinton & Kelli
Orange and white cat lying in tall grass with blue sky background.

Market Managers

Introducing the Market Managers starting for the 2025 season, Clinton & Kelli Eshelman.

Clint & Kelli run a stand at the Madison County Farmer’s Market under Cedar Shake Farm. They sell flower, veggies & microgreens with a specialty crop in Tulips every spring. They started Cedar Shake Farm in 2018 and have done the farmer’s market ever since. They also started the fun local event, the Madison County Fall Crawl in 2021. It happens on the last Sunday in Sept every year.

Kelli is a florist at Colors Floral & Home Decorating in Greenfield, IA. Clint retired as a 1SG in the Iowa Army National Guard in Dec 2024 and works full time at American Equity out of West Des Moines, IA.

Clint & Kelli moved from Clive in 2016 to just west of Winterset a few miles; just around the corner from Pammel Park Coffee Co. They shortly obtained their onery cat, Seeley from the local vet clinics stray program. He hasn’t stopped eating or napping since!

'Cedar Shake Farm, Winterset, Iowa.'
"Fall Crawl Madison County" logo with silhouette of plants and retro-style colors.

Historical Market Managers

2011 - 2024:

Donna Von Rentzell Carey from Earlham, Iowa served as the prior market manager. She also ran a stand at the market where she sold baked goods for all those years. She dedicated many hours to the market and the community thanks her for her dedication.

A woman stands behind a table at an outdoor market. The table is covered with a checkered cloth and displays baked goods, including cakes in plastic containers and wrapped items. There are trees and other vendors in the background. The scene is on a grassy area with buildings and cars visible in the distance.

Pre - 2010:

Pat Randol from Randol Honey Farm out of Winterset, IA was the market manager prior to 2011. Sadly Pat passed away in Oct 2021. She is truly missed at the market. Her husband Tom carries on the Randol Honey Farm tradition.

Woman sitting at an outdoor market booth displaying handmade soaps, lotions, and natural beauty products on a black tablecloth.
Vendor at outdoor market stall selling honey and related products on a red tablecloth, with jars of honey and other containers displayed. A customer is nearby, and the setting is a street lined with cars and buildings.
Outdoor market booth displaying various honey products including bottles of honey in bear-shaped containers, a bucket with candy sticks, and jugs of a liquid product. Bee pollen is also visible on the table. Background shows colorful ribbons and a partial view of people walking.
Display of various packaged products at a market stall, including labeled soap bars and no-bake cheesecake mixes in different flavors.

Summer 1993:

The farmer’s market originally started in 1993 here in Winterset, IA. Oldest pic we could find was from June 2010. Look at the prices on those veggies! Less than a quarter on some! If you have any old pictures send them to us on social media!

Two people standing behind a farmers market stall with baskets of vegetables such as squash, cucumbers, and potatoes, set on a green tablecloth. The background features trees and a grassy area, suggesting an outdoor market setting.
Outdoor market scene with vendors under canopies, displaying various items on tables, surrounded by people browsing and trees providing shade.

Contact us

Have questions on the market, being a vendor, where its located, please reach out! You can also reach us directly on Facebook & Instagram.