The Sylvia Tucker Memorial Park in Kempner is home to a new up-and-coming farmers market.
In July, Alexandria Garcia was given the green light by the Kempner City Council to host The Cozy Kitchen Market at the park on the first and third Sundays of each month through September 2027.
Garcia, a Kempnerarea resident, has been vending at various Central Texas markets since the fall of 2024. A few months in, she and her husband, Alex Garcia, began considering the idea of starting a market focused on fresh produce and farm-raised meats.
Garcia contacted Kempner city officials earlier this year to inquire about hosting the market at the park. An avid visitor of the park with her children, she wanted to create a space where families could both sell their wares and have fun.
“[I wanted] to provide a spot where other vendors like me, being a mom or dad, want to bring their kids to the event so they can still spend time with their families,” Garcia said. “They can watch their kids play at the playground, do their work and still be able to spend time with their family.”
The goal for The Cozy Kitchen Market is a maximum of 21 vendors.
It currently averages between 10 and 13. Garcia lists Foundations Farm -- a veteran-owned family farm raising pastured meat chickens, turkeys, eggs, pork and beef -- as one of the fan favorites.
Other vendors include Papa’s Garden Jams and Jellies, Juiced Juices, Witch and Woven, and Iced Dreams Coffee. Garcia’s own booth, “From the Kitchen of A,” specializes in health and wellness items such as stress-relief aroma rollers, along with a large selection of looseleaf teas.
“I have my OG blends, which would be like ‘Sleepy Time,’ a mix of lavender and peppermint that’s great for a relaxing cup of tea before bed,” she said. “I also have one called ‘Iron Strong,’ a specific blend to help you get more iron through your daily diet. Another of the fan favorites is my ‘Inflammation Blend.’ ” Garcia has been satisfied with the market’s reception so far and enjoys seeing visitors learn more about the roots of the businesses.
“What I love seeing is vendors being able to speak to the shoppers and people truly learning the roots of the business,” Garcia said. “I think it’s so important because it lets the small businesses explain why they are doing this. It makes it even more special when you hear about the idea behind the business, versus shopping on Amazon or Target.”
Looking ahead, Garcia hopes the market continues to grow while staying true to its community roots.
“The goal is to keep the seasonal feel alive,” she said. “Whatever is growing in fall and winter, farmers are more than welcome to come and sell that during that time frame. And to have a space where someone can keep a more consistent schedule.”
The Cozy Kitchen Market also is held in Killeen the first Saturday of the month from 4:30-8:30 p.m. outside The Charming Haven.
The next market day at Sylvia Tucker Memorial Park is Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.