Most people in Sun Prairie know the farmers market from its summer season: warm mornings, fresh produce, long lines for pastries, and crowds streaming up and down Main Street. What many don’t realize is that Sun Prairie also has a winter farmers market, and it’s not just a scaled-down version of summer. The winter market has become its own character entirely—quietly thriving, full of excellent vendors, and honestly one of the best hidden local gems in the city.

And if you’re wondering whether vendors are really out there in the cold: yes. We are. Some of us indoors, some of us outside. And in my case—I’m in the sharpening trailer, stationed just outside with the propane heater running and the grinder spinning. If you need knives, scissors, clipper blades, or tools sharpened this winter, all you have to do is knock on the trailer door and I’ll take care of everything on the spot.

But before we get to sharpening, let’s explore what makes the winter market worth your time.

The Market Many Don’t Know About

Winter farmers markets tend to be overlooked, and that’s a shame, because Wisconsin winters actually set the stage for deeper, richer offerings. The summer months are about abundance. Winter is about craftsmanship.

You’ll find:

• Small-batch jams, pickles, and syrups
• Breads and pastries that sell out fast
• Hot breakfast sandwiches (the kind that save a cold Saturday morning)
• Local honey
• Farm-fresh eggs
• Handmade soaps
• Cold-weather produce
• And several specialty vendors you simply won’t find anywhere else

This year’s winter market lineup is especially strong. While the temperatures drop, the vendors lean into their craft. Everything feels more intentional. There’s something about the winter environment—cold air, warm food, fewer crowds—that gives the market its own rhythm.

If you haven’t been, you’re missing one of the coziest, most personable market experiences in Sun Prairie.

Where You’ll Find Me: Sharpening Outside in the Trailer

The sharpening trailer stays parked outside the main building all winter long. A lot of people don’t realize it’s operating because the door is usually closed to keep the heat inside. But yes—I’m there every Saturday morning, sharpening for anyone who needs it.

If my lights are on and the propane tank is outside, I’m in business.
Just walk up and knock on the door.

Inside, the trailer stays warm enough to keep the grinders, belts, and equipment working safely. My process stays the same year-round:

• Pocket knives
• Kitchen knives
• Serrated knives
• Grooming shears
• Beauty salon shears
• Fabric and textile scissors
• Chisels
• Yard tools
• Meat slicer blades
• Food-processing blades
• And just about anything else with an edge

If you’re shopping at the winter market anyway, drop off your tools at the trailer, do your shopping inside, and come back to a freshly sharpened edge. Most items are done in the time it takes you to walk through the market.

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Get Your Knives Sharpened

Here’s something many people forget: kitchen knives work harder in winter.
Think about your meals from January through March.

Roasts.
Stews.
Casseroles.
Root vegetables.
Carving cooked meats.
Soup prep.
Weekend meal prepping because it’s too cold to grill.

All of those jobs rely on one thing—sharp edges.

When your knives are dull, everything becomes a chore:

• You press instead of slice
• Vegetables crack instead of cut
• Meat tears instead of carving cleanly
• You slip more often
• You work harder for the same job

Winter is also the time when many people notice the damage from summer and fall use. Chips, rolled edges, dents, and wear all show up more clearly when you’re prepping heavier winter foods.

Sharpening in the winter solves all of that.
And because I’m right outside at the winter market, the timing couldn’t be easier.

What Makes the Winter Market Special

Beyond sharpening, the winter market is truly worth exploring for its vendors. Here’s what gives it character this season:

1. The Vendors Bring Their Best Cold-Weather Products

Bakers, homesteaders, farmers, and crafters all lean into the season. You’ll find items you simply can’t get in the summer.

2. It’s Far Less Crowded Than Summer Markets

You can walk, browse, talk to vendors, ask questions, and never feel rushed or squeezed between strollers and backpacks.

3. Winter Markets Are More Personal

Fewer shoppers means more conversation. You learn who grows your food, who bakes your bread, who jars your jam. Vendors remember you. They recognize your face. It becomes a Saturday ritual, not an errand.

4. It’s a Legitimate Local Hidden Gem

Many residents have lived in Sun Prairie for years without realizing there’s a winter market. Once you go once, you’ll probably be back the next weekend.

Supporting Local Vendors in the Off-Season Matters

Farming and small-batch production don’t stop in winter—they just change.
Supporting the winter market helps local makers continue their craft year-round.

This means:

• The baker you love stays in business
• The local farmer supplying eggs keeps going
• The craftsman selling soaps and balms continues creating
• The family selling maple syrup or honey can plan for next season
• The sharpening station (that’s me) can keep operating every Saturday instead of shutting down for the season

It all adds up. Winter markets are the backbone of year-round local commerce.

How to Find the Sharpening Trailer

I’m located just outside the market building.
You’ll see:

• The trailer
• The Sharp On Sight logo
• The propane tank running the heater
• Lights on inside
• And yes, I’m working, even if the door looks closed

Just knock.
A quick knock is all it takes, and I’ll grab your knives or tools right away.

You can shop the market indoors while everything is being sharpened, and most items are finished before you even make it to the honey table.

Here’s the Bottom Line for Winter Saturdays

The Sun Prairie Winter Farmers Market deserves more attention than it gets. The vendors work hard, bring great products, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere even when temperatures drop. Whether you’re stocking up on food for the week, picking up gifts, or just walking through to support local businesses, it’s absolutely worth stopping by.

And if you need anything sharpened—kitchen knives, pocket knives, tools, scissors, grooming shears—you know where to find me. I’ll be outside in the trailer every Saturday, keeping Sun Prairie and Madison sharp all winter long.

Just knock.