The Dallas Farmers Market would like to officially welcome Ricky Kowalewski (Farmers Market Director) and Kate Crenwelge (Farmers Market Assistant Director) to the crew. They each bring individual knowledge and strength that will create an even more vibrant farmers market experience for you.

Ricky Kowalewski (Farmers Market Director)
 Ricky’s career path started early, selling eggs at the tiny farmers market in front of the feed store in his grandparent’s small town in Southern Arizona.
“I’ve always been interested in growing things and loving cool food, so the farmers market management path was a natural fit.”

While earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration,Ricky interned with a small neighborhood development organization, Bloomfield Development Corporation, who started and managed the Bloomfield Saturday Market a few minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. He ran the Bloomfield Saturday Market and started the Bloomfield Winter Market as Program Coordinator with BDC. After earning a master’s degree and bouncing around a bit, he started as Assistant Market Manager of the Lynchburg Community Market in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was then promoted to Market Manager in a little short of a year and spent around five years total at LCM. While there, he served on numerous boards and committees including the Virginia Farmers Market Association.
Ricky is settling in well, and already has a few favorite things about DFM.

“I am obsessed with the English muffins from D’s Sourdough. They sell out quick though, so you have to get here early to get some. And beets are wildly underrated. Oven roast beets with some good olive oil, and you’re in a good spot. I also enjoy sitting on the stage Sunday mornings when there’s a little more time, watching the vendors come in, seeing all the work we put in through the week come together, and then start planning for the next week.”

There is one option Ricky would like to add to DFM – “I would love to have a farm-to-table food truck with sandwiches. I love a well-made sandwich and using Shed vendor veggies!”

 

Kate Crenwelge (Farmers Market Assistant Director) Kate grew up on a farm in Fredericksburg, Texas, surrounded by a large family, gardens, and livestock, where she was actively involved in 4-H from the age of 5 to 18. Grounded by this strong foundation in agriculture, she went on to pursue a degree in Agribusiness at Texas A&M University, graduating in May. It’s this blending of hands-on farming experience with formal education in the agricultural industry that makes Kate a perfect addition.
Not surprising, it hasn’t taken Kate long to discover a few favorites at DFM.

“I love the beef tallow from Hendrix Farms. I use it every morning and night as a moisturizer on my face, and it works wonders. It’s so nourishing and leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated. Another vendor I would love for visitors to discover is Veggie Tortillas. They’re a clean, plant-based option made with only four to five simple ingredients: organic cassava flour, vegetables, apple cider vinegar, water, and salt. These tortillas are not only delicious, but also cater to a wide range of dietary needs—they’re gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, organic, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly. I think everyone should give them a try for a healthy, tasty alternative!

One item Kate would like to bring to the Dallas Famers Market is an apple farmer for a new, seasonal option.

While she is enjoying the vibrant, exciting life of the city, one of her favorite spots at the Dallas Farmers Market is the chicken coop – “I love to sit and watch the hens and rooster waddle and peck around. It’s a peaceful moment that takes me back to my roots, reminding me of home, and the farm life I grew up with.”

As always, we at the Dallas Farmers Market encourage all of our visitors to engage with our community as much as possible. If you happen to see Ricky or Kate working in The Shed, please feel free to stop and say hi!