SUBSTACK by Bob Gordon 4.17.26

About Fulshear, TexasWhere Fulshear Shops, Gathers, and Pays the Bill: Markets, Spring Events, and the $400 Million QuestionBob GordonApr 17, 2026

Something interesting is happening with where Fulshear residents shop, socialize, and build community—and it’s not happening in any single place. It’s dispersed across a Saturday farmers market on Bois D’Arc Lane, a series of pop-up spring markets drawing hundreds of shoppers, a brand-new park that broke ground on baseball fields just last year, and a massive $400 million regional retail complex rising off I-10 that promises to redefine the western Houston corridor. Each tells a different story about what kind of place Fulshear is becoming. Together, they raise a question worth asking plainly: who gains from this growth, and who simply absorbs its costs?

By the time you read this, steel is going up at one of the most-watched commercial projects in the region. Texas Heritage Marketplace—a 165-acre, $400 million mixed-use development by Houston-based NewQuest Properties—is under active construction at the southeast corner of Interstate 10 and Texas Heritage Parkway. The development is anticipated to deliver more than 1 million square feet of retail, restaurants, medical office space, and self-storage.

Confirmed anchors read like a suburban household’s weekly checklist. Major national anchors include Target, Lowe’s, and Sam’s Club, alongside restaurants such as Escalante’s, The Kebab Shop, and Whataburger. NewQuest has also confirmed EoS Fitness, Burlington, and Academy Sports + Outdoors, with more tenant announcements expected as the project approaches its opening window.

NewQuest expects tenants to move into Texas Heritage Marketplace in the second half of 2026, with construction of 550 apartments across two communities likely to start around that time, with a potential 2028 opening.

The lifestyle pitch is real. One of the standout features is a massive central green space designed to invite gathering, strolling, and staying awhile, with over 39,000 square feet of retail wrapping around the area and many restaurants offering outdoor seating. Anchoring that green space is a heritage oak tree that was carefully relocated from the path of construction—a nice gesture at preserving at least one living piece of the landscape that was there before.

Here, Fulshear residents need to slow down and read past the press releases.

Texas Heritage Marketplace sits in Waller County, within the city limits of Katy, not Fulshear. That distinction is not a technicality. Once operational, the city of Katy is expected to receive roughly $3 million in sales tax revenue annually from the development. Katy recognized the site's importance enough that the city purchased land within the Texas Heritage Marketplace development to house a new police and emergency medical services substation, designed to reduce response times on the west side of the city.

Meanwhile, Fulshear residents will make up a substantial share of the customer base for that $3 million in annual Katy tax revenue. They will drive Texas Heritage Parkway—a road whose southern extension through the Westpark Tollway corridor was made possible in part by development obligations tied to growth that directly benefits Fulshear-adjacent master-planned communities—to get there. They will sit in traffic, as thousands of residents from Jordan Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, Tamarron, and a half-dozen other master-planned communities converge on the same intersection.

Texas Heritage Parkway is a 6.5-mile connection from I-10 to Fulshear, now complete, and it has become the spine of one of the fastest-growing retail and residential corridors in the Houston metro. That spine serves Fulshear. The sales tax from what’s built along it largely does not.

None of this means Fulshear residents shouldn’t shop at Texas Heritage Marketplace—of course, they will, and many will be glad to have a Target, Lowe’s, and Sam’s Club closer than Katy Mills. But it is worth being clear-eyed: this is a development that captures the commercial value of Fulshear’s growth while Fulshear absorbs a meaningful portion of the infrastructure demand and traffic that makes it viable.

City leaders negotiating future commercial corridors within Fulshear’s boundaries—and those evaluating the Fulshear Town Square and Fulshear Village proposals currently on the table—should keep that balance sheet in mind.

While regional analysts chart Texas Heritage Marketplace’s tenant roster, Fulshear has had its own community gathering point every Saturday morning for over a decade. The Fulshear Farmers Market, at 9035 Bois D’Arc Lane at FM 1093, runs year-round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has become one of the most genuine expressions of local civic life in the city.

The market has grown from 15 vendors with a few neighborhood patrons to becoming what organizers describe as the best in Fort Bend County, with over 50 vendors each Saturday and tens of thousands of patrons annually. Its vendor network is considerably deeper than that weekly count suggests: the market works with over 90 local vendors who provide a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and fruit, local honey, freshly baked bread, tamales, tea, salsa, fresh juices, farm eggs, handmade chocolates, pastured meats, jellies, canned or fermented vegetables, prepared foods, and more.

The market features seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs, baked goods, jams, honey, prepared foods, and artisan vendors, with food trucks making occasional appearances. Admission is free, vendors accept cash and card, and leashed pets are welcome.

What Texas Heritage Marketplace’s green space designers are being paid to engineer—spontaneous community interaction, the feel of a walkable gathering place, a reason to linger—the Fulshear Farmers Market has been producing organically, without a heritage oak relocation budget, since 2014. It is worth supporting and protecting as the commercial landscape around it changes.

Beyond the weekly farmers market, this spring has brought a robust slate of events and pop-up gatherings to the Katy-Fulshear corridor—the kind of grassroots, semi-organized activity that fills the civic calendar between the big-box anchors.

The 18th annual spring market in Katy features two floors of shopping from more than 100 local and small businesses selling handmade crafts, home décor, boutique fashion, and other items, running April 11 through April 12 at the Katy Merrell Center.

A spring-themed pop-up market dedicated to the women who nurture, teach, and inspire—with optional donations benefitting Mothers of Held Angels—runs April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Strolling through more than 35 tasting stations, the biannual Katy Sip & Stroll samples culinary creations from top Katy-area restaurants, with proceeds supporting the local nonprofit Christ Clinic, set for April 25, 6–9 p.m.

These pop-up gatherings are doing something that neither a farmers market nor a regional shopping center quite replicates: they create bounded, curated community experiences with specific purposes—fundraising, artisan support, charitable giving—that connect shopping behavior to civic identity. When you buy a handmade item at a spring market benefitting Mothers of Held Angels, you know exactly what community you’re participating in. That kind of transaction is increasingly rare in an economy of anonymous fulfillment centers.

For Fulshear residents and nearby shoppers, here’s a consolidated look at what’s on the calendar:

Confirm details and locations with event organizers before attending, as schedules may change.

The most significant civic infrastructure event on the near-term Fulshear calendar isn’t a shopping center. It’s a park.

The City of Fulshear will celebrate the grand opening of Primrose Park on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., marking the first public opening phase of the park and introducing four new baseball and softball fields along with a concessions building, restrooms, and spectator areas designed to expand youth sports opportunities and create shared outdoor space for the rapidly growing community.

The backstory of Primrose Park is actually one of Fulshear’s better stories of civic governance. The park was made possible by the Cornelius family, longtime community leaders, who donated 10 acres to the City of Fulshear for baseball fields. The City’s Park Land Dedication Ordinance, adopted in 2013, requires developers of new residential developments to dedicate parkland or pay fees in lieu of land dedication. Using those funds, the city purchased an additional 15 acres of land for Primrose Park, completing the 25-acre site.

That ordinance—a planning tool that many fast-growth cities fail to implement or enforce—means that the same residential development pressure squeezing Fulshear’s roads and infrastructure has also been building a public park fund. Community input collected through the Parks and Pathways Master Plan and other city planning efforts consistently showed strong demand for a large gathering space where residents could enjoy sports, events, and outdoor recreation.

This is precisely the kind of public amenity that private development cannot provide on its own. Texas Heritage Marketplace’s green space is a leasing amenity owned by NewQuest. Primrose Park belongs to the people of Fulshear. When the park opens in full, it is expected to serve as one of the city’s premier community parks, hosting sports events, concerts, festivals, and family activities throughout the year. A Phase 3—currently tied to a proposed bond in the May 3 election—would eventually add an amphitheater, walking trails, a playground, and a pavilion.

The May 9 opening is worth attending. Not just because it’s a good community event, but because it represents a decade of city planning actually paying off.

Texas Heritage Marketplace will be enormously convenient. It will save thousands of Fulshear-area residents a 15-minute drive to Katy for a Target run. Its restaurants will give families a closer alternative to the FM 1093 corridor. Its medical office space may genuinely improve healthcare access on this side of the county line. None of that is trivial.

But as Fulshear continues to define its commercial and civic identity, it’s worth keeping track of the difference between places we go because they’re convenient and places that actually build community. The Fulshear Farmers Market—now in its twelfth year—has built community. Primrose Park, opening next month, was designed to build community. The pop-up spring markets and neighborhood events scattered across the calendar build community in smaller, more episodic ways.

The challenge for a fast-growing city like Fulshear is that development economics almost always favor the large-format, high-traffic commercial project over the farmers market, the neighborhood park, and the pop-up market. The sales tax goes to Katy. The traffic lands on Fulshear roads. The green space in the new shopping center is designed by a firm working for a developer.

None of this makes Texas Heritage Marketplace the enemy. It makes it a fact of regional growth that Fulshear’s residents and elected officials should understand clearly. The farmers market, Primrose Park, and the city’s own event calendar are where Fulshear builds the civic fabric that will still be here long after the next development cycle moves on.

SUBSTACK by Bob Gordon

Aug.8th, 2025

Fulshear, Texas – a name that conjures images of rapid growth and modern communities. Yet, beneath the surface of this thriving suburban hub lies a rich agricultural heritage, a legacy beautifully preserved and celebrated by our very own Fulshear Farmers Market. Far more than just a place to buy groceries, the market has become a vibrant cornerstone of our community, deeply re-anchoring us to our past while actively shaping our dynamic present.

Our town's story began with a land grant in 1824 to Churchill Fulshear, one of Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colonists. The Fulshear plantation, with its cotton gin and flour mill, laid the foundation for an economy built on rice, cotton, soybeans, corn, poultry, sorghum, horses, and cattle, including the iconic Texas Longhorns and pecans. Even as Fulshear officially incorporated in 1977, it remained steadfastly a "marketing center for locally produced" goods.

Fast forward to the early 21st century, and Fulshear experienced "explosive growth." Our population soared from a mere 716 residents in 2000 to over 16,856 by October 2020. This rapid urbanization brought many newcomers, perhaps less directly connected to our town's farming traditions. It was precisely during this period of transformation that the Fulshear Farmers Market emerged, serving as a crucial link to our heritage and fostering a sense of place for both long-time residents and new arrivals. It truly bridges the "old" Fulshear with the "new," creating a shared space that resonates with all.

The heart and soul of the Fulshear Farmers Market belong to Ramona Ridge, operating under "Forever Fulshear." Her inspiration was simple yet profound: an "overabundance of vegetables grown by residents in the Bois d'Arc area" and a clear need to connect this local bounty with the residents of the burgeoning master-planned communities. The market was conceived as a direct solution, effectively linking local supply with emerging demand.

On August 2, 2014, the "Forever Fulshear Farmers' Market" officially opened its "doors" at 9035 Bois d'Arc Lane. With approximately 15 vendors and a remarkable 400-500 visitors on its opening day, the market was an instant success, with most vendors selling out. This immediate validation proved a genuine need for fresh, local produce and, equally important, for a vibrant social gathering space.

Of course, challenges arose – securing permits, fixing an old septic system and well – but the early investment of "several wonderful sponsors" demonstrated a collective belief in the market's potential. This highlights that while Ramona Ridge provided visionary leadership, the market's success has always been a collaborative community effort.

Since that inaugural day, the Fulshear Farmers Market has undergone a remarkable evolution. What started with 12-15 vendors now boasts "over 50 vendors each Saturday," drawing from a robust pool of "over 90+ local vendors." The product offerings have diversified far beyond basic produce, now including organic produce, free-range eggs, artisan baked goods, various pastured meats, local honey, and a delightful array of prepared foods and handcrafted goods.

The market's popularity has soared, attracting "tens of thousands of patrons annually" and becoming a "much looked forward to destination" for residents and visitors from surrounding areas like Richmond, Katy, and even parts of Houston. This organic growth, driven by positive customer and vendor experiences, is a testament to the market's intrinsic value.

A defining characteristic and a key to its success is the stringent 200-mile radius sourcing rule. This commitment to localism ensures the freshest produce, lowers the carbon footprint, and directly addresses the growing consumer desire for transparency and sustainability. Coupled with a "rigorous selection process" for vendors, this unwavering dedication to "exceptional quality" has earned the Fulshear Farmers Market its place among "Houston's top 10 Farmers' Markets" and numerous awards.

Beyond commerce, the market is a "friendly social spot" and a place where "neighbors could meet, chat, shop together and meet new neighbors." It's a vibrant social ecosystem, a "family" among vendors, and a true "heart of Fulshear."

The Fulshear Farmers Market's impact extends far beyond Saturday mornings. It actively functions as an "incubator for many small businesses," providing a vital platform for local entrepreneurs to connect with consumers and build their brands. The supportive "family" environment among vendors fosters collaboration and success, with some even securing "contracts with large grocery stores" – a testament to the market's power in nurturing local enterprises and strengthening our regional economy.

Perhaps one of its most remarkable feats was its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite initial directives for closure, Ramona Ridge's swift advocacy led to farmers' markets being declared "essential" services. The Fulshear Farmers Market remained operational, consistently providing essential "hand sanitizer, meat, and vegetables," underscoring its crucial role in local food security and community stability.

Looking ahead, Ramona Ridge anticipates a future where consumers increasingly "trust large grocery stores less" and prioritize knowing "exactly where their food comes from." The market's foundational principles of local sourcing and rigorous quality assurance perfectly align with this evolving demand, strategically positioning it for continued relevance and growth.

Since its inception in 2014, the Fulshear Farmers Market has evolved into a "solid fixture in Fulshear." It's a compelling narrative of community development, embodying historical continuity, economic vitality, and profound social cohesion. Its consistent growth, recognition, and resilience stand as a powerful testament to visionary leadership, collective community strength, and the enduring local spirit that defines Fulshear. So, next Saturday, come down to the Fulshear Farmers Market – experience the history, taste the quality, and connect with the heart of our vibrant community.

SUBSTACK by Bob Gordon

Nov.13, 2025

Ramona Ridge stands as the singular visionary behind the Fulshear Farmers’ Market (FFM), an institution that rapidly evolved from a localized solution for agricultural surplus into a critical economic and social hub for the greater Fulshear, Texas, area. As the founder of the market and the Executive Director of its governing non-profit, Forever Fulshear, Ridge’s biographical narrative is defined by a purposeful transition from an international professional life to one dedicated to grassroots community development.

The FFM’s success has not been confined to Fulshear alone; since its inception on August 2, 2014, the market has secured recognition among Houston’s top 10 Farmers’ Markets, celebrated for its exceptional quality standards and reasonable pricing structure. Operating consistently every Saturday year-round, the market ensures that all goods are sourced within a strict 200-mile radius of Fulshear, reflecting a commitment to authentic localism.

The detailed study of Ridge’s career reveals not merely an entrepreneur but a structural innovator who identified and filled a critical gap in local infrastructure. Her biography serves as a case study in purposeful transformation, detailing how sophisticated professional assets can be successfully deployed to solve local sociological and agricultural problems, culminating in the creation of a permanent civic and economic fixture that embodies “economic vitality and profound social cohesion” in the community.

Ramona Ridge’s professional trajectory before Fulshear provided an improbable, yet ultimately essential, foundation for her later civic achievements. Her heritage is deeply Texan, having been born in Lubbock as a 5th-generation Texan, though she spent her young teenage years and finished high school in Northern Virginia.

The turning point of Ridge’s early professional life came shortly after high school graduation. Driven by her parents’ understanding of her passion for fashion and design, she received a trip to Paris as a graduation present. This was not a typical tourist trip; it was organized to tour the major Parisian ateliers, or studios, of the era’s biggest designers, including Dior, Lanvin, Yves St. Laurent, Courregés, Mugler, and Balmain. The group was led by Princess Obolensky.

During a dinner in Paris, a modeling agent approached Ridge and offered her a contract. Although the opportunity was immediate and significant, she demonstrated early professional focus and discipline by insisting on returning to the United States to complete the remaining two weeks of her high school classes before formally beginning her career. Upon returning to Paris, she secured an apartment with other American models, including Jerry Hall and her sister Rosie, who lived next door. This period marked the zenith of her high-fashion career, during which she was frequently booked by French Vogue, Elle, and their worldwide counterpart magazines, thanks in part to the attention of the main photographer at Elle.

The decade spent in the highly competitive, detail-oriented, and global high-fashion industry instilled in Ridge high standards, rigorous professional expectations, and invaluable experience in international negotiation and logistics. These attributes, although learned in the context of haute couture, would later be applied effectively to navigate the regulatory complexities and public relations challenges required to launch a new type of market infrastructure. This international, high-stakes background stands in stark contrast to the life she later sought.

Following successful periods living in New York City, Palm Beach, Florida, and the Galleria area of Houston, Ridge and her young daughters made a conscious decision to move to the rural environment of Fulshear—a substantial change from their highly metropolitan existence.

The dramatic nature of this transition was immediately evident upon their return from a vacation, arriving at their newly purchased Fulshear home late on a summer night. They were met by a “massive chorus of Green Tree frogs croaking and filling the night air with incredibly loud cacophony.” Ridge’s initial reaction was one of panic and regret, questioning, “What have I done?”. However, once inside, the noise vanished, affording a restful sleep, and the excitement for the new lifestyle quickly took hold. This was followed by a dedicated effort to fulfill a homesteading dream: planting extensive vegetable gardens, installing bee hives, acquiring chickens, and cultivating a fruit orchard, a process they enjoyed thoroughly over a couple of years.

The initial concept for the Fulshear Farmers’ Market was not born of commercial ambition, but rather as a practical solution to a localized socio-agricultural conflict.

Through her own gardening efforts, Ridge soon realized that she and her long-term neighbors, many of whom maintained large vegetable gardens and kept chickens, faced a systemic problem: overabundance. Around June of each year, neighbors would call each other, desperately “begging them to take their excess of tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, eggplant, okra, squash, and eggs before they rotted,” realizing that “a person is only able to can so much!”.

This problem of agricultural surplus existed in parallel with an acute, unmet demand. Ridge shared this story with a friend who lived in one of Fulshear’s new master-planned communities. That friend was astonished, explaining that she and her neighbors would eagerly welcome access to those fresh, locally grown vegetables and eggs.

Ridge had identified a structural divide in the developing Fulshear community: traditional rural properties allowed for large-scale gardening and livestock (creating surplus), while newer suburban developments featured Homeowners Association (HOA) rules that restricted personal growing efforts and prohibited chicken ownership, creating significant demand for fresh produce.

The identification of this simultaneous surplus and deficit led to the foundational question that drove the FFM’s creation: “How could I get these two groups of people together?”. The conceptual answer was a localized market designed specifically to provide locally grown produce to those restricted from growing their own.

The FFM was thus conceived as a critical sociological and commercial bridge. By facilitating a space where surplus from older Fulshear properties could be sold to the residents of newer, planned communities, Ridge created an environment where neighbors could authentically share with neighbors, promoting healthy eating and fostering social cohesion across the evolving landscape of Fulshear.

The transition from concept to operational market required overcoming significant logistical and regulatory hurdles, all undertaken without an operating budget.

The crucial first step was finding a suitable location. Ridge successfully leveraged community relationships to secure the land. A friendly conversation with Doug Konopka, owner of DHK Development, resulted in a generous offer of land use at the intersection of FM 1093 and Bois d’Arc Lane. This location, which was planned for the future Fulshear Run development, provided a perfect solution: it was a “win-win situation” where Konopka’s future home buyers would benefit from immediate access to a local amenity, while the market gained a needed site for vendors.

The largest initial obstacle was regulatory compliance, an unbudgeted endeavor that required persistence and educational advocacy. Ridge had to seek approval from a county health department that had “never dealt with a farmers’ market previously”. Her description of the initial resistance was vivid, stating, “One would’ve thought I had asked to sell heroin and body parts!”.

Ridge’s tenacity throughout multiple subsequent meetings proved critical. She successfully guided the health department through the process, leading to the hiring and payment of a myriad of inspectors. After passing all requirements, the FFM received “the very first Farmers’ Market Permit” from the county health department. This hard-won regulatory achievement was not just an operational necessity for the FFM; it established the legal and procedural blueprint for all subsequent small-scale, local food operations in the county, confirming Ridge’s role as a policy pioneer.

Initial operations and the substantial costs associated with permitting and advertising were supported by several local businesses that stepped up to help, including DHK Development, Texas Country Properties, and Martin Mortgage.

As Ridge quickly realized her and her neighbors’ gardens would not be enough to supply a full market, vendor recruitment was expanded via social media. The market defined a clear standard: vendors had to offer amazing, locally made, grown, or produced fare from within a 200-mile range of Fulshear. The response was strong, incorporating goods such as freshly baked bread, local honey, tamales, salsa, homemade soaps, and fresh juices.

The FFM officially opened on August 2, 2014, with 15 booths. Despite the intense “August-In-Texas HOT” climate, community support was overwhelming. Most vendors sold out before closing time on the inaugural day, demonstrating immediate and intense demand for the market’s offerings.

Since its challenging beginnings, the Fulshear Farmers’ Market, under the continued stewardship of Ridge and the Board of Directors of Forever Fulshear, has matured into a reliable and highly respected regional fixture.

The market has expanded significantly, growing to approximately 30 to 35 weekly vendors, supported by rotating food trucks, occasional live music, and family-friendly attractions like petting zoos. Crucially, the FFM maintains its strict operational philosophy: all vendors must grow, raise, cook, or produce their goods within a tight 200-mile radius of Fulshear. This deliberate restriction serves as a quality assurance mechanism, catering to an informed consumer base that increasingly demands transparency regarding the source and cultivation of their food, reflecting a growing mistrust of large-scale grocery supply chains.

The FFM has received numerous awards and consistently ranks among the Top Ten Markets in the Houston metropolitan area. This status has transformed the FFM into a significant regional draw and a “foodie destination in Fulshear”. Its reputation for exceptional quality attracts regular, loyal customers who drive from surrounding areas, including Katy, Richmond, Wallis, and other northern parts of Fort Bend County, demonstrating its economic reach well beyond the Fulshear municipal limits.

The market’s enduring contribution is its role as a solid fixture in community life, supporting healthy eating, providing opportunities for local growers, and fostering social cohesion. The presence of live music and unique artisanal goods further enhances the experience, making the FFM a vital community gathering place.

The institutional sustainability of the Fulshear Farmers’ Market is ensured by its governance under the non-profit organization, Forever Fulshear. Ridge serves in the crucial role of Executive Director for this entity. This formal structure transitions the market from a mere business venture into a permanent civic asset, placing its operation beyond the longevity of any single founder.

Forever Fulshear plays a vital role in municipal operations, specifically leading the city’s Keep Fulshear Beautiful (KFB) initiative, which involves coordinating events and securing necessary corporate sponsorships. This partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fulshear City Council.

In a recent negotiation, Ridge displayed advanced non-profit management and political advocacy skills. City staff presented two options for the KFB MOU: Option A, recommending a $6,000 city contribution with limited staff involvement, and Option B, requested by Forever Fulshear, which sought an $8,000 contribution and the designation of a single city staff member for operational support during event days.

Ridge personally presented the rationale for Option B to the Council. She defended the need for the higher funding level by detailing the intensive administrative commitment required—approximately “three to four weeks of work organizing the event, without the help of staff,” to cover sponsor outreach, logistics, and volunteer coordination. She argued persuasively that this coordination fee, set at $1,200, was necessary to streamline operations and reduce the burden on multiple city departments. Despite some internal debate among Council members, Option B, the higher funding level advocated by Ridge, was ultimately approved. This successful negotiation underscores her ability to clearly articulate the operational costs and civic value of the non-profit’s work, securing necessary financial and logistical support from the local government.

Ramona Ridge’s biography is a compelling narrative of deliberate reinvention and sophisticated civic entrepreneurship. Her unique professional history, moving from the demanding and competitive world of international high fashion to the practical, agrarian life of Fulshear, equipped her with a distinctive set of assets: tenacity in the face of bureaucratic resistance, a commitment to superior quality, and a profound capacity for negotiation.

The Fulshear Farmers’ Market is far more than a retail venture; it is a meticulously engineered piece of social and regulatory infrastructure. Ridge’s most profound initial achievement was navigating the county regulatory system to establish the legal precedent for farmers’ markets, effectively de-risking future local commerce for the entire region.

Today, the FFM, governed by the institutional stability of Forever Fulshear, remains a highly successful model for integrating local agriculture with modern suburban development. Under Ridge’s continued leadership as Executive Director, demonstrated by her success in securing dedicated municipal funding for civic initiatives, the market is guaranteed long-term viability. The FFM stands as an enduring testament to Ridge’s vision: a vital, resilient, and highly regarded communal space that serves as a cornerstone of Fulshear’s economic vitality and cultural identity.

MY NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

March, 2026

Location Fulshear Farmers' Market
9035 Bois D'Arc Ln
Fulshear ,TX 77441Price FREEDescription 

The Fulshear Farmers’ Market at 9035 Bois D’Arc Lane in Fulshear is a weekly outdoor market featuring seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, artisan foods, and local makers.

The market creates a friendly, community-first atmosphere where neighbors shop local, meet vendors, and enjoy family-friendly offerings.

• Date & Time: Every Saturday from 9:00 am–1:00 pm.
• Location: 9035 Bois D'Arc Ln (at FM 1093), Fulshear, TX 77441.
• Admission: Free to attend; open to the public.
• Offerings: Fresh produce, eggs, meats, breads, jams, honey, prepared foods, occasional local artisans and food trucks.
• Accessibility/Parking: Outdoor market; parking available nearby. Leashed pets are generally allowed (check market policies).

Bring reusable bags, cash or card for vendor purchases, and arrive mid-morning for the best selection. Support small local farms and makers while enjoying an easy morning outing in Fulshear.

WORLDATLAS.com 

August, 2024

8 Friendliest Towns to Visit In Texas

FULSHEAR

Set on the northwestern corner of Fort Bend County, this charming community of around 35,000 takes pride in its agricultural heritage. The town of Fulshear has an air of warmth and friendliness, evident during the Fulshear Farmers Market. Over 90 local vendors gather to exhibit freshly plucked farm produce and baked goods, setting the stage for good-natured interactions with tourists interested in a fun shopping experience. Fulshear has serene natural areas whose atmosphere reflects the overall mood in the town. Arbor Park offers an ideal spot for those who want to experience the calmness of Mother Nature.

Visitors can choose from different hang-out spots to relax after a long day and enjoy a hearty meal or refreshing drink. If you love craft beers, Project Halo Brewing produces tasty crafts and serves them in a warm and welcoming setting.

TEXAS-REAL FOOD

Farmers Market in Fulshear - 2023

Ramona Ridge, the visionary behind Forever Fulshear Farmers' Market, transformed obstacles into a thriving community hub. Since its inception on August 2, 2014, this market has secured its place among Houston's top 10 Farmers’ Markets, celebrated for its exceptional quality and reasonable prices. Operating every Saturday year-round, it proudly offers goods sourced within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear, with the added charm of local artists and craftspeople on the first Saturdays of each month. Join us in embracing this vibrant market experience!

From fresh produce, eggs, and prepared meals to pet goods and supplies, shop ‘til you drop at these bountiful markets

Fulshear Farmers Market

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, the Fulshear Farmers Market spotlights food and other products sourced from within a 200-mile radius of the city. There’s a lot to explore here, ranging from Ole Boy Brazos Bottom Farm’s organic produce and free-range eggs to decadent baked goods from Mrs. Richardson’s Kitchen.

VANBROOKE NEWS

Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Where do Vanbrooke residents go for farm-fresh produce, locally sourced meats and local wines? The Fulshear Farmers Market, of course.

Run by Ramona Ridge of Forever Fulshear, the market has been a Saturday morning tradition for Fort Bend residents since 2014. All of the fruits, vegetables and food products sold at the market were grown or produced within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear.

The list of vendors is lengthy but on any given day you are sure to be able to fill your canvas shopping bag with seasonal vegetables and fruit, fresh seafood, artisan breads, pastured Red Wattle pork, Dorper lamb, certified grass-fed Wagyu beef, eggs, free-range chicken, baked goods, cold-pressed juices, sauces & spices, locally roasted and blended coffees, plants and more. The first Saturdays of each month include selections from local artists and craftspeople. Most Saturdays there is at least one food truck, if not more.

The Fulshear Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday — rain or shine — at 9035 Bois D’Arc Lane, Fulshear, TX 77441. Come out for the fresh food and to support the smallest of small businesses. Hope to see you there.

entertain HOUSTON

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 9, 2021

Team_entertainHouston
Fulshear Farmers Market

Having started with 12 vendors way back in August of 2014, Fulshear Farmers Market has come a long way and is now a much looked forward to destination for many on a Saturday morning. It is a laid-back market with a decidedly upbeat atmosphere. You can find everything from bread, eggs, meat, and fresh produce to cut flowers, juices, handmade soaps, and food hampers that make great gifts.

The USP of the market is that it accepts only vendors who grow or produce goods within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear. This keeps the products fresh and local, the carbon footprint down, and contributes to the local economy and the environment.

• Website: https://fulshearfarmersmarket.com/
• Address: 9035 Bois D’Arc Ln, Fulshear, TX 77441
• Timing: 9 am – 1 pm every Saturday
• Phone: +1 713-703-4129

FULSHEAR STAR, 2018

Interview with Ramona Ridge

The Forever Fulshear Farmers’ Market (FFFM) opened its “doors” for the first time on Aug. 2nd, 2014. We opened that day with 12 vendors and no food trucks but the community support was phenomenal and the FFM was an immediate success.

It had been several years that I had tried to figure out how to get the overabundance of vegetables grown by residents in the Bois d’Arc area to those in our new Master Planned communities. Doug Konopka, of DHK Development stepped up by offering the old Winter Gordon Dirt Yard land for us to use. Doug had recently purchased the land and knew that it would be a couple of years before he would begin to develop so he kindly agreed to let us use it in the interim, as he envisioned a future Public Market at that location. Five acres of an empty field was perfect for a famers’ market and an ideal addition to keeping our “country charm and character”.

The first step was to get all of the proper permitting by the Health Department. Easy, right? NO!  I made an appointment to meet with them and discuss my plans, having no idea that this endeavor would be looked upon as badly as if I had asked to sell body parts. Really, freshly made baked goods, local honey and fruits and vegetables? I was given about 15 hoops that I would have to jump through to make this a reality.

A few tears and much discussion later, the hoops had all been jumped through and the permits given. Several wonderful sponsors made sure we had enough money to pay for those permits. DHK Development, Mike and Lisa Mobley, Texas Country Properties, American Tax Advisors, New First Bank, Angie Ballis Massage, Above Grade Level Tutoring, Fulshear Mini Storage, Executive Finance Management, CivilCorp, and Martin Mortgage made the beginning possible.

Next on my agenda was finding enough vendors to make it worthwhile for patrons to shop with us. While I have many neighbors with big vegetable gardens, that just would not be enough to sustain a true market. I sent emails to my fellow Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners and anyone else I could think of (along with a Facebook plea) that might know someone who needed an outlet for their produce or homemade goodies.

The responses came in slowly: “How long have you been open?” “Well, we’re not actually open yet.”; “Where were you located previously?” “Um, nowhere.”; “How many patrons do you expect?” “Sorry, I have no idea.”  And the best one “Where is Fulshear?”!! We wanted to be careful that every vendor we accepted grew or produced their goods within a 200 mile radius of Fulshear so as to keep the carbon footprint down and assure that all of the offerings were fresh and local. To this day, we visit each farm to insure that our farmers are growing the produce they bring to our Market.

My dear neighbor, Rosie McCusker was one of the first vendors to sign up with her hyper-local honey. Rosie lives just a mile down the road from the market and keeps her bees there. Yay, we had our first vendor! Next, Kookie’s Cakes and Pies asked to join us so we had our fresh breads and baked goods. Natasha’s Naturals chimed in with their line of natural bath and body products; Texas T Kobe Beef asked to join us from Orchard with their amazing Wagyu beef cuts; Salinas Salsa (now Salsa Works) wanted in with their Houston Chili Pepper Festival Award Winning salsas; Fruitwich jumped in with their all natural fruit snacks; Schilling Farms and Sunshine Acres wanted to bring their farm fresh eggs; and Paleo asked to bring their nut butters. Now, we needed some fresh fruit and vegetables to be a “true” farmers’ market. The Master Gardeners stepped up with Three Sisters Farms and Looper Farms requesting to join us and, a few hours later Ole Boy Brazos Bottom Farm called. We had what we needed to open.

Opening Day saw about 400-500 visitors come and most of our vendors sold out. The word spread in the vendor community and we were in! The next few weeks saw more wonderful vendor additions and more and more patrons. Residents were delighted to have a place to buy fresh produce, farm eggs and other homemade goodies. Plus, the Market also became a friendly social spot on Saturday mornings. Neighbors could meet, chat, shop together and meet new neighbors.

Because of our permits, we were surrounded by food with nothing to eat. No one was allowed to cook onsite because our old septic system had been installed before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enforced permitting and our older well was not permitted. Sure, you could bite into a head of lettuce but we needed a way of having cooked food. I had been a fan of food trucks for years, bringing the very first ones to Fulshear for the first Fulshear Art Walk (after much arguing that they were far from “roach coaches”). Another huge hurdle; there were almost no good food trucks that had Ft. Bend County permits. The temporary permits that I had pulled for the Art Walk were $50 and a yearly permit was $200, a lot to pay for a small food truck.

Serendipity popped up again when Neal Werner called me. A friend had given him my number and Neal was just starting his first Cousin’s Maine Lobster food truck, to be located in Fort Bend County, fresh off the television show Shark Tank. Could he join us? You bet! The perfect storm of gorgeous weather, Valentine’s Day 2014, and the first Cousin’s Maine Lobster truck in the Houston area came together that day. The Fulshear Farmers’ Market had over 2,000 visitors, who made a queue that snaked around the entire market grounds, and the poor cooks in the Cousin’s truck tumbled out the truck’s back door around 3:00 p.m., after running out of 150 pounds of lobster and cooking for 6 straight hours. The word was in the food truck community; my phone blew up with requests from food trucks, asking to be on our rotation. Yes, finally!

I think most know where Fulshear is now. The Market has grown to over 30 vendors most Saturdays and offers a dazzling array of locally grown or produced food and food products, usually with a food truck. We have lost a couple of vendors to contracts with large grocery stores, but we are so happy for them. They regularly come back to visit with their Fulshear “family” and we’re always happy to see them. The Fulshear Farmers’ Market will continue to grow and offer local delights for years to come. Thank you to all who support us!

VOYAGE HOUSTON, 2017

Fulshear Farmer’s Market – Locally Sourced, Thoroughly Enjoyed

Kristy Smith | May 19, 2017

The Forever Fulshear Farmer

SUBSTACK by Bob Gordon

Aug.8th, 2025

Fulshear, Texas – a name that conjures images of rapid growth and modern communities. Yet, beneath the surface of this thriving suburban hub lies a rich agricultural heritage, a legacy beautifully preserved and celebrated by our very own Fulshear Farmers Market. Far more than just a place to buy groceries, the market has become a vibrant cornerstone of our community, deeply re-anchoring us to our past while actively shaping our dynamic present.

Our town's story began with a land grant in 1824 to Churchill Fulshear, one of Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colonists. The Fulshear plantation, with its cotton gin and flour mill, laid the foundation for an economy built on rice, cotton, soybeans, corn, poultry, sorghum, horses, and cattle, including the iconic Texas Longhorns and pecans. Even as Fulshear officially incorporated in 1977, it remained steadfastly a "marketing center for locally produced" goods.

Fast forward to the early 21st century, and Fulshear experienced "explosive growth." Our population soared from a mere 716 residents in 2000 to over 16,856 by October 2020. This rapid urbanization brought many newcomers, perhaps less directly connected to our town's farming traditions. It was precisely during this period of transformation that the Fulshear Farmers Market emerged, serving as a crucial link to our heritage and fostering a sense of place for both long-time residents and new arrivals. It truly bridges the "old" Fulshear with the "new," creating a shared space that resonates with all.

The heart and soul of the Fulshear Farmers Market belong to Ramona Ridge, operating under "Forever Fulshear." Her inspiration was simple yet profound: an "overabundance of vegetables grown by residents in the Bois d'Arc area" and a clear need to connect this local bounty with the residents of the burgeoning master-planned communities. The market was conceived as a direct solution, effectively linking local supply with emerging demand.

On August 2, 2014, the "Forever Fulshear Farmers' Market" officially opened its "doors" at 9035 Bois d'Arc Lane. With approximately 15 vendors and a remarkable 400-500 visitors on its opening day, the market was an instant success, with most vendors selling out. This immediate validation proved a genuine need for fresh, local produce and, equally important, for a vibrant social gathering space.

Of course, challenges arose – securing permits, fixing an old septic system and well – but the early investment of "several wonderful sponsors" demonstrated a collective belief in the market's potential. This highlights that while Ramona Ridge provided visionary leadership, the market's success has always been a collaborative community effort.

Since that inaugural day, the Fulshear Farmers Market has undergone a remarkable evolution. What started with 12-15 vendors now boasts "over 50 vendors each Saturday," drawing from a robust pool of "over 90+ local vendors." The product offerings have diversified far beyond basic produce, now including organic produce, free-range eggs, artisan baked goods, various pastured meats, local honey, and a delightful array of prepared foods and handcrafted goods.

The market's popularity has soared, attracting "tens of thousands of patrons annually" and becoming a "much looked forward to destination" for residents and visitors from surrounding areas like Richmond, Katy, and even parts of Houston. This organic growth, driven by positive customer and vendor experiences, is a testament to the market's intrinsic value.

A defining characteristic and a key to its success is the stringent 200-mile radius sourcing rule. This commitment to localism ensures the freshest produce, lowers the carbon footprint, and directly addresses the growing consumer desire for transparency and sustainability. Coupled with a "rigorous selection process" for vendors, this unwavering dedication to "exceptional quality" has earned the Fulshear Farmers Market its place among "Houston's top 10 Farmers' Markets" and numerous awards.

Beyond commerce, the market is a "friendly social spot" and a place where "neighbors could meet, chat, shop together and meet new neighbors." It's a vibrant social ecosystem, a "family" among vendors, and a true "heart of Fulshear."

The Fulshear Farmers Market's impact extends far beyond Saturday mornings. It actively functions as an "incubator for many small businesses," providing a vital platform for local entrepreneurs to connect with consumers and build their brands. The supportive "family" environment among vendors fosters collaboration and success, with some even securing "contracts with large grocery stores" – a testament to the market's power in nurturing local enterprises and strengthening our regional economy.

Perhaps one of its most remarkable feats was its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite initial directives for closure, Ramona Ridge's swift advocacy led to farmers' markets being declared "essential" services. The Fulshear Farmers Market remained operational, consistently providing essential "hand sanitizer, meat, and vegetables," underscoring its crucial role in local food security and community stability.

Looking ahead, Ramona Ridge anticipates a future where consumers increasingly "trust large grocery stores less" and prioritize knowing "exactly where their food comes from." The market's foundational principles of local sourcing and rigorous quality assurance perfectly align with this evolving demand, strategically positioning it for continued relevance and growth.

Since its inception in 2014, the Fulshear Farmers Market has evolved into a "solid fixture in Fulshear." It's a compelling narrative of community development, embodying historical continuity, economic vitality, and profound social cohesion. Its consistent growth, recognition, and resilience stand as a powerful testament to visionary leadership, collective community strength, and the enduring local spirit that defines Fulshear. So, next Saturday, come down to the Fulshear Farmers Market – experience the history, taste the quality, and connect with the heart of our vibrant community.

SUBSTACK by Bob Gordon

Nov.13, 2025

Ramona Ridge stands as the singular visionary behind the Fulshear Farmers’ Market (FFM), an institution that rapidly evolved from a localized solution for agricultural surplus into a critical economic and social hub for the greater Fulshear, Texas, area. As the founder of the market and the Executive Director of its governing non-profit, Forever Fulshear, Ridge’s biographical narrative is defined by a purposeful transition from an international professional life to one dedicated to grassroots community development.

The FFM’s success has not been confined to Fulshear alone; since its inception on August 2, 2014, the market has secured recognition among Houston’s top 10 Farmers’ Markets, celebrated for its exceptional quality standards and reasonable pricing structure. Operating consistently every Saturday year-round, the market ensures that all goods are sourced within a strict 200-mile radius of Fulshear, reflecting a commitment to authentic localism.

The detailed study of Ridge’s career reveals not merely an entrepreneur but a structural innovator who identified and filled a critical gap in local infrastructure. Her biography serves as a case study in purposeful transformation, detailing how sophisticated professional assets can be successfully deployed to solve local sociological and agricultural problems, culminating in the creation of a permanent civic and economic fixture that embodies “economic vitality and profound social cohesion” in the community.

Ramona Ridge’s professional trajectory before Fulshear provided an improbable, yet ultimately essential, foundation for her later civic achievements. Her heritage is deeply Texan, having been born in Lubbock as a 5th-generation Texan, though she spent her young teenage years and finished high school in Northern Virginia.

The turning point of Ridge’s early professional life came shortly after high school graduation. Driven by her parents’ understanding of her passion for fashion and design, she received a trip to Paris as a graduation present. This was not a typical tourist trip; it was organized to tour the major Parisian ateliers, or studios, of the era’s biggest designers, including Dior, Lanvin, Yves St. Laurent, Courregés, Mugler, and Balmain. The group was led by Princess Obolensky.

During a dinner in Paris, a modeling agent approached Ridge and offered her a contract. Although the opportunity was immediate and significant, she demonstrated early professional focus and discipline by insisting on returning to the United States to complete the remaining two weeks of her high school classes before formally beginning her career. Upon returning to Paris, she secured an apartment with other American models, including Jerry Hall and her sister Rosie, who lived next door. This period marked the zenith of her high-fashion career, during which she was frequently booked by French Vogue, Elle, and their worldwide counterpart magazines, thanks in part to the attention of the main photographer at Elle.

The decade spent in the highly competitive, detail-oriented, and global high-fashion industry instilled in Ridge high standards, rigorous professional expectations, and invaluable experience in international negotiation and logistics. These attributes, although learned in the context of haute couture, would later be applied effectively to navigate the regulatory complexities and public relations challenges required to launch a new type of market infrastructure. This international, high-stakes background stands in stark contrast to the life she later sought.

Following successful periods living in New York City, Palm Beach, Florida, and the Galleria area of Houston, Ridge and her young daughters made a conscious decision to move to the rural environment of Fulshear—a substantial change from their highly metropolitan existence.

The dramatic nature of this transition was immediately evident upon their return from a vacation, arriving at their newly purchased Fulshear home late on a summer night. They were met by a “massive chorus of Green Tree frogs croaking and filling the night air with incredibly loud cacophony.” Ridge’s initial reaction was one of panic and regret, questioning, “What have I done?”. However, once inside, the noise vanished, affording a restful sleep, and the excitement for the new lifestyle quickly took hold. This was followed by a dedicated effort to fulfill a homesteading dream: planting extensive vegetable gardens, installing bee hives, acquiring chickens, and cultivating a fruit orchard, a process they enjoyed thoroughly over a couple of years.

The initial concept for the Fulshear Farmers’ Market was not born of commercial ambition, but rather as a practical solution to a localized socio-agricultural conflict.

Through her own gardening efforts, Ridge soon realized that she and her long-term neighbors, many of whom maintained large vegetable gardens and kept chickens, faced a systemic problem: overabundance. Around June of each year, neighbors would call each other, desperately “begging them to take their excess of tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, eggplant, okra, squash, and eggs before they rotted,” realizing that “a person is only able to can so much!”.

This problem of agricultural surplus existed in parallel with an acute, unmet demand. Ridge shared this story with a friend who lived in one of Fulshear’s new master-planned communities. That friend was astonished, explaining that she and her neighbors would eagerly welcome access to those fresh, locally grown vegetables and eggs.

Ridge had identified a structural divide in the developing Fulshear community: traditional rural properties allowed for large-scale gardening and livestock (creating surplus), while newer suburban developments featured Homeowners Association (HOA) rules that restricted personal growing efforts and prohibited chicken ownership, creating significant demand for fresh produce.

The identification of this simultaneous surplus and deficit led to the foundational question that drove the FFM’s creation: “How could I get these two groups of people together?”. The conceptual answer was a localized market designed specifically to provide locally grown produce to those restricted from growing their own.

The FFM was thus conceived as a critical sociological and commercial bridge. By facilitating a space where surplus from older Fulshear properties could be sold to the residents of newer, planned communities, Ridge created an environment where neighbors could authentically share with neighbors, promoting healthy eating and fostering social cohesion across the evolving landscape of Fulshear.

The transition from concept to operational market required overcoming significant logistical and regulatory hurdles, all undertaken without an operating budget.

The crucial first step was finding a suitable location. Ridge successfully leveraged community relationships to secure the land. A friendly conversation with Doug Konopka, owner of DHK Development, resulted in a generous offer of land use at the intersection of FM 1093 and Bois d’Arc Lane. This location, which was planned for the future Fulshear Run development, provided a perfect solution: it was a “win-win situation” where Konopka’s future home buyers would benefit from immediate access to a local amenity, while the market gained a needed site for vendors.

The largest initial obstacle was regulatory compliance, an unbudgeted endeavor that required persistence and educational advocacy. Ridge had to seek approval from a county health department that had “never dealt with a farmers’ market previously”. Her description of the initial resistance was vivid, stating, “One would’ve thought I had asked to sell heroin and body parts!”.

Ridge’s tenacity throughout multiple subsequent meetings proved critical. She successfully guided the health department through the process, leading to the hiring and payment of a myriad of inspectors. After passing all requirements, the FFM received “the very first Farmers’ Market Permit” from the county health department. This hard-won regulatory achievement was not just an operational necessity for the FFM; it established the legal and procedural blueprint for all subsequent small-scale, local food operations in the county, confirming Ridge’s role as a policy pioneer.

Initial operations and the substantial costs associated with permitting and advertising were supported by several local businesses that stepped up to help, including DHK Development, Texas Country Properties, and Martin Mortgage.

As Ridge quickly realized her and her neighbors’ gardens would not be enough to supply a full market, vendor recruitment was expanded via social media. The market defined a clear standard: vendors had to offer amazing, locally made, grown, or produced fare from within a 200-mile range of Fulshear. The response was strong, incorporating goods such as freshly baked bread, local honey, tamales, salsa, homemade soaps, and fresh juices.

The FFM officially opened on August 2, 2014, with 15 booths. Despite the intense “August-In-Texas HOT” climate, community support was overwhelming. Most vendors sold out before closing time on the inaugural day, demonstrating immediate and intense demand for the market’s offerings.

Since its challenging beginnings, the Fulshear Farmers’ Market, under the continued stewardship of Ridge and the Board of Directors of Forever Fulshear, has matured into a reliable and highly respected regional fixture.

The market has expanded significantly, growing to approximately 30 to 35 weekly vendors, supported by rotating food trucks, occasional live music, and family-friendly attractions like petting zoos. Crucially, the FFM maintains its strict operational philosophy: all vendors must grow, raise, cook, or produce their goods within a tight 200-mile radius of Fulshear. This deliberate restriction serves as a quality assurance mechanism, catering to an informed consumer base that increasingly demands transparency regarding the source and cultivation of their food, reflecting a growing mistrust of large-scale grocery supply chains.

The FFM has received numerous awards and consistently ranks among the Top Ten Markets in the Houston metropolitan area. This status has transformed the FFM into a significant regional draw and a “foodie destination in Fulshear”. Its reputation for exceptional quality attracts regular, loyal customers who drive from surrounding areas, including Katy, Richmond, Wallis, and other northern parts of Fort Bend County, demonstrating its economic reach well beyond the Fulshear municipal limits.

The market’s enduring contribution is its role as a solid fixture in community life, supporting healthy eating, providing opportunities for local growers, and fostering social cohesion. The presence of live music and unique artisanal goods further enhances the experience, making the FFM a vital community gathering place.

The institutional sustainability of the Fulshear Farmers’ Market is ensured by its governance under the non-profit organization, Forever Fulshear. Ridge serves in the crucial role of Executive Director for this entity. This formal structure transitions the market from a mere business venture into a permanent civic asset, placing its operation beyond the longevity of any single founder.

Forever Fulshear plays a vital role in municipal operations, specifically leading the city’s Keep Fulshear Beautiful (KFB) initiative, which involves coordinating events and securing necessary corporate sponsorships. This partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fulshear City Council.

In a recent negotiation, Ridge displayed advanced non-profit management and political advocacy skills. City staff presented two options for the KFB MOU: Option A, recommending a $6,000 city contribution with limited staff involvement, and Option B, requested by Forever Fulshear, which sought an $8,000 contribution and the designation of a single city staff member for operational support during event days.

Ridge personally presented the rationale for Option B to the Council. She defended the need for the higher funding level by detailing the intensive administrative commitment required—approximately “three to four weeks of work organizing the event, without the help of staff,” to cover sponsor outreach, logistics, and volunteer coordination. She argued persuasively that this coordination fee, set at $1,200, was necessary to streamline operations and reduce the burden on multiple city departments. Despite some internal debate among Council members, Option B, the higher funding level advocated by Ridge, was ultimately approved. This successful negotiation underscores her ability to clearly articulate the operational costs and civic value of the non-profit’s work, securing necessary financial and logistical support from the local government.

Ramona Ridge’s biography is a compelling narrative of deliberate reinvention and sophisticated civic entrepreneurship. Her unique professional history, moving from the demanding and competitive world of international high fashion to the practical, agrarian life of Fulshear, equipped her with a distinctive set of assets: tenacity in the face of bureaucratic resistance, a commitment to superior quality, and a profound capacity for negotiation.

The Fulshear Farmers’ Market is far more than a retail venture; it is a meticulously engineered piece of social and regulatory infrastructure. Ridge’s most profound initial achievement was navigating the county regulatory system to establish the legal precedent for farmers’ markets, effectively de-risking future local commerce for the entire region.

Today, the FFM, governed by the institutional stability of Forever Fulshear, remains a highly successful model for integrating local agriculture with modern suburban development. Under Ridge’s continued leadership as Executive Director, demonstrated by her success in securing dedicated municipal funding for civic initiatives, the market is guaranteed long-term viability. The FFM stands as an enduring testament to Ridge’s vision: a vital, resilient, and highly regarded communal space that serves as a cornerstone of Fulshear’s economic vitality and cultural identity.

 WORLDATLAS.com 

August, 2024

8 Friendliest Towns to Visit In Texas

FULSHEAR

Set on the northwestern corner of Fort Bend County, this charming community of around 35,000 takes pride in its agricultural heritage. The town of Fulshear has an air of warmth and friendliness, evident during the Fulshear Farmers Market. Over 90 local vendors gather to exhibit freshly plucked farm produce and baked goods, setting the stage for good-natured interactions with tourists interested in a fun shopping experience. Fulshear has serene natural areas whose atmosphere reflects the overall mood in the town. Arbor Park offers an ideal spot for those who want to experience the calmness of Mother Nature.

Visitors can choose from different hang-out spots to relax after a long day and enjoy a hearty meal or refreshing drink. If you love craft beers, Project Halo Brewing produces tasty crafts and serves them in a warm and welcoming setting.

TEXAS-REAL FOOD

Farmers Market in Fulshear - 2023

Ramona Ridge, the visionary behind Forever Fulshear Farmers' Market, transformed obstacles into a thriving community hub. Since its inception on August 2, 2014, this market has secured its place among Houston's top 10 Farmers’ Markets, celebrated for its exceptional quality and reasonable prices. Operating every Saturday year-round, it proudly offers goods sourced within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear, with the added charm of local artists and craftspeople on the first Saturdays of each month. Join us in embracing this vibrant market experience!

From fresh produce, eggs, and prepared meals to pet goods and supplies, shop ‘til you drop at these bountiful markets

Fulshear Farmers Market

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, the Fulshear Farmers Market spotlights food and other products sourced from within a 200-mile radius of the city. There’s a lot to explore here, ranging from Ole Boy Brazos Bottom Farm’s organic produce and free-range eggs to decadent baked goods from Mrs. Richardson’s Kitchen.

VANBROOKE NEWS

Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Where do Vanbrooke residents go for farm-fresh produce, locally sourced meats and local wines? The Fulshear Farmers Market, of course.

Run by Ramona Ridge of Forever Fulshear, the market has been a Saturday morning tradition for Fort Bend residents since 2014. All of the fruits, vegetables and food products sold at the market were grown or produced within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear.

The list of vendors is lengthy but on any given day you are sure to be able to fill your canvas shopping bag with seasonal vegetables and fruit, fresh seafood, artisan breads, pastured Red Wattle pork, Dorper lamb, certified grass-fed Wagyu beef, eggs, free-range chicken, baked goods, cold-pressed juices, sauces & spices, locally roasted and blended coffees, plants and more. The first Saturdays of each month include selections from local artists and craftspeople. Most Saturdays there is at least one food truck, if not more.

The Fulshear Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday — rain or shine — at 9035 Bois D’Arc Lane, Fulshear, TX 77441. Come out for the fresh food and to support the smallest of small businesses. Hope to see you there.

entertain HOUSTON

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 9, 2021

Team_entertainHouston
Fulshear Farmers Market

Having started with 12 vendors way back in August of 2014, Fulshear Farmers Market has come a long way and is now a much looked forward to destination for many on a Saturday morning. It is a laid-back market with a decidedly upbeat atmosphere. You can find everything from bread, eggs, meat, and fresh produce to cut flowers, juices, handmade soaps, and food hampers that make great gifts.

The USP of the market is that it accepts only vendors who grow or produce goods within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear. This keeps the products fresh and local, the carbon footprint down, and contributes to the local economy and the environment.

• Website: https://fulshearfarmersmarket.com/
• Address: 9035 Bois D’Arc Ln, Fulshear, TX 77441
• Timing: 9 am – 1 pm every Saturday
• Phone: +1 713-703-4129

FULSHEAR STAR, 2018

Interview with Ramona Ridge

The Forever Fulshear Farmers’ Market (FFFM) opened its “doors” for the first time on Aug. 2nd, 2014. We opened that day with 12 vendors and no food trucks but the community support was phenomenal and the FFM was an immediate success.

It had been several years that I had tried to figure out how to get the overabundance of vegetables grown by residents in the Bois d’Arc area to those in our new Master Planned communities. Doug Konopka, of DHK Development stepped up by offering the old Winter Gordon Dirt Yard land for us to use. Doug had recently purchased the land and knew that it would be a couple of years before he would begin to develop so he kindly agreed to let us use it in the interim, as he envisioned a future Public Market at that location. Five acres of an empty field was perfect for a famers’ market and an ideal addition to keeping our “country charm and character”.

The first step was to get all of the proper permitting by the Health Department. Easy, right? NO!  I made an appointment to meet with them and discuss my plans, having no idea that this endeavor would be looked upon as badly as if I had asked to sell body parts. Really, freshly made baked goods, local honey and fruits and vegetables? I was given about 15 hoops that I would have to jump through to make this a reality.

A few tears and much discussion later, the hoops had all been jumped through and the permits given. Several wonderful sponsors made sure we had enough money to pay for those permits. DHK Development, Mike and Lisa Mobley, Texas Country Properties, American Tax Advisors, New First Bank, Angie Ballis Massage, Above Grade Level Tutoring, Fulshear Mini Storage, Executive Finance Management, CivilCorp, and Martin Mortgage made the beginning possible.

Next on my agenda was finding enough vendors to make it worthwhile for patrons to shop with us. While I have many neighbors with big vegetable gardens, that just would not be enough to sustain a true market. I sent emails to my fellow Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners and anyone else I could think of (along with a Facebook plea) that might know someone who needed an outlet for their produce or homemade goodies.

The responses came in slowly: “How long have you been open?” “Well, we’re not actually open yet.”; “Where were you located previously?” “Um, nowhere.”; “How many patrons do you expect?” “Sorry, I have no idea.”  And the best one “Where is Fulshear?”!! We wanted to be careful that every vendor we accepted grew or produced their goods within a 200 mile radius of Fulshear so as to keep the carbon footprint down and assure that all of the offerings were fresh and local. To this day, we visit each farm to insure that our farmers are growing the produce they bring to our Market.

My dear neighbor, Rosie McCusker was one of the first vendors to sign up with her hyper-local honey. Rosie lives just a mile down the road from the market and keeps her bees there. Yay, we had our first vendor! Next, Kookie’s Cakes and Pies asked to join us so we had our fresh breads and baked goods. Natasha’s Naturals chimed in with their line of natural bath and body products; Texas T Kobe Beef asked to join us from Orchard with their amazing Wagyu beef cuts; Salinas Salsa (now Salsa Works) wanted in with their Houston Chili Pepper Festival Award Winning salsas; Fruitwich jumped in with their all natural fruit snacks; Schilling Farms and Sunshine Acres wanted to bring their farm fresh eggs; and Paleo asked to bring their nut butters. Now, we needed some fresh fruit and vegetables to be a “true” farmers’ market. The Master Gardeners stepped up with Three Sisters Farms and Looper Farms requesting to join us and, a few hours later Ole Boy Brazos Bottom Farm called. We had what we needed to open.

Opening Day saw about 400-500 visitors come and most of our vendors sold out. The word spread in the vendor community and we were in! The next few weeks saw more wonderful vendor additions and more and more patrons. Residents were delighted to have a place to buy fresh produce, farm eggs and other homemade goodies. Plus, the Market also became a friendly social spot on Saturday mornings. Neighbors could meet, chat, shop together and meet new neighbors.

Because of our permits, we were surrounded by food with nothing to eat. No one was allowed to cook onsite because our old septic system had been installed before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enforced permitting and our older well was not permitted. Sure, you could bite into a head of lettuce but we needed a way of having cooked food. I had been a fan of food trucks for years, bringing the very first ones to Fulshear for the first Fulshear Art Walk (after much arguing that they were far from “roach coaches”). Another huge hurdle; there were almost no good food trucks that had Ft. Bend County permits. The temporary permits that I had pulled for the Art Walk were $50 and a yearly permit was $200, a lot to pay for a small food truck.

Serendipity popped up again when Neal Werner called me. A friend had given him my number and Neal was just starting his first Cousin’s Maine Lobster food truck, to be located in Fort Bend County, fresh off the television show Shark Tank. Could he join us? You bet! The perfect storm of gorgeous weather, Valentine’s Day 2014, and the first Cousin’s Maine Lobster truck in the Houston area came together that day. The Fulshear Farmers’ Market had over 2,000 visitors, who made a queue that snaked around the entire market grounds, and the poor cooks in the Cousin’s truck tumbled out the truck’s back door around 3:00 p.m., after running out of 150 pounds of lobster and cooking for 6 straight hours. The word was in the food truck community; my phone blew up with requests from food trucks, asking to be on our rotation. Yes, finally!

I think most know where Fulshear is now. The Market has grown to over 30 vendors most Saturdays and offers a dazzling array of locally grown or produced food and food products, usually with a food truck. We have lost a couple of vendors to contracts with large grocery stores, but we are so happy for them. They regularly come back to visit with their Fulshear “family” and we’re always happy to see them. The Fulshear Farmers’ Market will continue to grow and offer local delights for years to come. Thank you to all who support us!

VOYAGE HOUSTON, 2017

Fulshear Farmer’s Market – Locally Sourced, Thoroughly Enjoyed

Kristy Smith | May 19, 2017

The Forever Fulshear Farmers’ Market, run by Ramona Ridge of Forever Fulshear, has become a destination for many on a Saturday morning. Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet Ramona and get a guided tour, complete with time to chat with the vendors.

Ramona greeted me right away, and took me under her wing for the morning. The atmosphere was lively and friendly, and it felt great to be in the middle of it as Ramona fielded questions from potential vendors and chatted with friends and newcomers alike. Overall, the tone of the market is laid back, but purposeful. Guests are there to get their eggs, bread, meat and produce, and maybe even some cut flowers or juices, soaps, or food-related gifts. There are plenty of options and people have their favorites.

Nearly everyone I spoke to said they enjoyed this particular market because it was a place that caters to those who are actually looking for honest food and food-related products that are sourced, grown and produced locally, many times by the very people selling them. There was a sense that this market was true to the purpose of farmers’ markets: to get food to people, rather than being a place where anyone can set up a tent and sell anything just to make a buck.

I spoke with many of the vendors that morning, and my only regret was that my husband had my wallet.

My first stop was with James and Beverly of Ole Boy Brazos Bottom Farm. They love what they do, and it shows. They sell certified organic produce, and James calls himself the “carrot converter,” claiming to make a carrot-lover out of even the most stubborn vegetable avoiders! So, if you need your kids – or your grownups! – to eat their veggies, go visit Ole Boy’s tent, you won’t be disappointed.

I also had the pleasure of learning about bees and bee keeping from Roy of Imperial Honey. If you’re looking for local honey from a knowledgeable and reliable source, go see Roy and ask him about his can of bees.

I worked my way down the line chatting with nearly everyone: I sampled kombucha from The Kombucha Company (they have a popular bottle exchange program); You can’t miss Jay Kolbe of Takona Soaps, and Schilling Farms is always popular; Little Emma’s Seafood and Jessica’s Tamales were busy with paying customers; Brenham Kitchen sells dried fruit and nuts, and their tomatillo and white chocolate sauce was amazing; Seebu Farms offers fresh and pickled quail eggs, and Marie and Toby Hogan of New Frontier Pecan House are newcomers who have had a very good response in Fulshear.

Kumar of Koldprezz Organic Raw Juice loves the Fulshear market and was nearly sold out by the time I got there; I sampled the peach, pecan and amaretto preserves from The Great San Saba River Pecan Company and swooned; If you’re looking for organic treats for your dog (or cat), The Doggie Snack Bar has them; We purchased a gorgeous bouquet of cut flowers in a mason jar from Soni of Local Flora, and the ladies from Waypoint Farm had great things to say about our Fulshear Market.

Has it been a smooth road?
Our faithful vendors brave the heat, cold and usually rain, to be consistent and provide for our community.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Fulshear Farmers’ Market story. Tell us more about the business.
The Fulshear Farmers’ Market is located on FM 1093 and Bois d’Arc lane in Fulshear, Texas. All of our vendors grow, raise, cook or produce within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Shoppers are trusting the big grocery stores less and less. They are learning that it is best to know exactly where their food comes from and how it was grown, made, or raised.