If you’re fortunate enough to live near a local farmers market, you truly have something special. Not only do you have direct access to fresh, in-season produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more, you have access to the people, stories, and rhythms that shape life in a small town. Thankfully, McAlester is lucky in exactly this way. As our city has experienced noticeable growth and development in recent years, one tradition that continues is the Pittsburg County Farmers Market. 

Even in large cities, these markets continue to play a bigger role than many of us may realize. They strengthen local economies by giving small-scale farmers and makers a direct way to sell what they grow or create, keeping more dollars circulating close to home. They provide access to fresh produce that’s often harvested just days - sometimes hours - before it’s sold, while reducing the environmental impact that comes with long-distance food transportation. In our own community, it also means access to fresh-baked goods, preserves, eggs, handcrafted items, fresh flowers, and even seasonal items like pumpkins. But beyond the economic and environmental benefits, farmers markets serve as gathering places - spaces where neighbors connect, kids learn where their food comes from, people interact with local makers, and seasonal rhythms quietly shape community life.

As the 2026 season approaches at the Pittsburg County Farmers Market, Mary Ann Cathey, one of the people behind the market, shares the story of how it began, how it has evolved, and why it continues to play an important role in the McAlester community.

While the market itself has been part of McAlester’s story for decades - dating all the way back to the 1970s - Mary Ann’s connection to the market began in a deeply personal way. Her father-in-law, Jack Cathey, had been selling produce at the farmers market since the early 1990s. When he passed away in August of 2008, he still had plenty of produce growing in the ground.

“I took what he had and sold it until it was all gone,” she shared. What started as a way to finish what he had begun eventually turned into something more permanent. Today, Mary Ann serves as a board member and has spent the last two years co-managing the market.

To Mary Ann, it’s more than just a place to buy produce. “It’s like part of my family,” she said. “I always want to make sure our vendors are happy, and our customers, too.”

That care is part of what makes a small-town farmers market feel special. “Customers know the produce is locally grown,” she explained. “They get to know the vendors personally. Some people have their regular favorites, while others go down the stalls and try to buy something from everyone.”

But, the market isn’t just about shopping, it’s also about bringing the community together. It’s a place that families can come to, where people can gather and socialize as part of the broader effort of our local downtown area to create opportunities to get out and enjoy McAlester throughout the year. Throughout the summer and fall, the market hosts events that invite even more of the community in. Second Saturdays in June, July, and August allow non-members to sell. There’s a Trunk or Treat in October and a Holiday Market in November, creating reasons to keep coming back even as the seasons change.

Of course, making all of that happen is a group effort. Mary Ann mentioned “the Pittsburg County OSU Extension Office, the board members, and most importantly, the individual vendors,” whom she is always passionate about supporting. “They work hard to grow and create what they do. Being able to see the finished product sold is very satisfying.”

Shoppers this season can expect a wide mix of offerings, including local produce, of course, and also flowers, baked goods, canned items, and even freeze-dried candy. The market also allows a small number of crafters, including woodworking and crochet, keeping the focus primarily on food and farm-based products. 

Over the years, the market has evolved. Mary Ann shared that there was a time when nearly every stall was filled with farmers, but as many of the older growers passed away, the market adapted by welcoming bakers and crafters to keep it thriving.

Looking ahead to 2026, the market will run from May through October, and often beyond. “Really… as long as someone has something to sell, it will be open,” Mary Ann said.

The rhythm of the season is familiar to anyone who shops there. And when tomatoes arrive? “That’s when everyone visits the market the most,” she said. Later in the season, things naturally slow down as offerings become more limited, a reflection of the growing cycle and rhythm of the seasons.

If you’ve never ventured over to the farmers market, Mary Ann keeps it simple: “Welcome! And if you have any questions, always ask the vendors.” 

It’s truly a special thing to experience the market’s impact firsthand. Mary Ann said, “We have a lot of people who come from out of town. They make a day of it and may go shop at other businesses while they’re in McAlester.” When asked what shoppers say they love most, her answer is straightforward: fresh, locally grown produce, and having access to a variety of other homemade goods.

As the 2026 season approaches, the farmers market remains what it has always been: a place rooted in connection, care, and the simple joy of community. And thanks to people like Mary Ann Cathey, it continues to feel like home. When asked to describe the market in just three words, Mary Ann Cathey’s answer says it all: “Fresh. Local. Community.”

The Pittsburg County Farmers Market is open from May to October on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings for regular season, in addition to these special events: 

Follow the Pittsburg County Farmers Market on Facebook for regular season updates!