Welcome back to a brand-new season of Market Voices, the podcast that brings you the heart, soul, and flavor of the Tucumcari Farmers Market! In this Season 3 premiere, host Bobby Hockaday hits the grounds on Opening Day to chat with the vendors, organizers, and local leaders who make this community gathering spot so special.

From freshly baked cottage treats to a packed summer lineup of live music, cooking competitions, and magic shows, find out why the Tucumcari Route 66 Farmers Market is the place to be this season.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear From:

• Jonna Stanger (Market Manager): On the excitement of being back, upcoming Cakewalk days, and a brand-new Magic Day coming this October.

  
  

• Brittany Edwards (Chaotic Goods Bakery): The reigning Chef Throwdown champion shares what she’s bringing to the booth this year (hello, chocolate chip pecan cookies!) and throws down the gauntlet for future challengers.

  
  

• Rod Mason: Market favorite and past "second-place champ" talks hosting duties and sizing up this year's culinary competition.

  
  

• Mayor Marcy Willis (Butter Bliss Bakery): The Mayor shares her passion for scratch-made cottage baking using local resources, and why healthy, local food matters to Tucumcari.

  
  

• Marie Nava (Event Coordinator): Walks us through the incredibly packed 2026 event calendar—featuring Kids Day, American Pie Day, a Route 66 100th Birthday booth competition, and the 50/50 raffle.

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Check out Butter Bliss Bakery and Chaotic Goods Bakery on Facebook to place your orders!

  
  

• Stop by the manager's booth to get your 50/50 Raffle Tickets from Jonna.

  
  

Save these dates mentioned in the episode:

🗓️ The Tucumcari Farmers Market 2026 Event Calendar

• Next Weekend: Live Music with Guillermo Ramirez

• July 25: Kids Day (Face painting, art tables, petting zoo, bouncy house)

• August 1: Music in the Park

• August 8: American Pie Day

• August 15: The Chef Showdown (6 competitive slots open!)

• August 22: Live Music

• August 29: Club Day

  
  

• September 12: Route 66 100th Birthday Booth Decoration Competition

• September 29: Community Day

• October 3: The Famous $1 Cakewalk

• October 10: Live Music

• October 17: Magic Show with Lalo from the Radio Station

• Market Finale: Community Potluck & 50/50 Raffle Payout

📌 Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome to Market Voices Season 3!

• 00:14 – Checking in with Market Manager Jonna Stanger

• 01:22 – Defending the Title: Brittany Edwards & Chaotic Goods Bakery

• 03:06 – Trash Talk & Team Player: Rod Mason

• 04:04 – Baking from Scratch with Mayor Marcy Willis (Butter Bliss Bakery)

• 06:12 – The Ultimate 2026 Event Calendar with Marie Nava

• 10:03 – Outro: See You Saturday at Wailes Park!

In this episode of Market Voices, we talk with Caryle Stewart and Philip Box from the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU). We discuss how the RMFU serves as a crucial voice for small family farms and ranches, advocating for their needs through education, legislation, and cooperation. The conversation also highlights the Agwell initiative, a vital program that addresses farmer and rancher wellness, behavioral health, and suicide prevention by fostering social connection and providing essential resources.

On this vibrant Saturday, we dive into the heart of the Tucumcari Farmer's Market. Host Bobby Hockaday chats with Market Manager Jonna Stanger about the market's recent growth, the return of live music, and the exciting upcoming Kids Day. Darrell and Sally of Genesis Gardens share the joys and tremendous effort behind bringing fresh produce to the community, reminding us, "You either buy medicine or buy good food." We also meet Jason Lamb of the NM Quay County Extension Office, who discusses his own JK Farms and the valuable resources available for aspiring growers through the Beginning Farmer Program.

Later, Event Coordinator Marie Nava of Rancho Alma Linda highlights the market's role as a community builder and gives a sneak peek at future events like the Chef Showdown. We then connect with the Quay County Health Council and Huffman Counseling and Wellness and Dr Tina Guerrero, who discuss the vital link between local food, community, and overall well-being. From fresh vegetables and baked goods to conversations about soil health and mental wellness, this episode captures the diverse voices that make the Tucumcari Farmer's Market a true community hub