The weekly Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market at The Shops at Merrick Park had a bit more buzz than usual on Easter Sunday. What’s normally a laid-back farmer’s market turned into a full-on Easter celebration thanks to a surprise Easter event hosted by La Roca Miami, a local Christian church.
In the morning, the market was calm with the normal crowd trickling in, but by early afternoon, Merrick Park was packed. Kids, parents, couples and curious shoppers crowded the walkways, not totally sure what they were lining up for.
There were no signs or banners, just word of mouth. Still, news spread quickly around the market that there was a free Easter Egg Hunt featuring a visit from the Easter Bunny and over 10,000 eggs donated by church members. It all came together in the center of the market, blending naturally with the colorful stalls and lively atmosphere.
Returning vendors welcomed the added excitement, as the festive energy brought in bigger crowds and turned an ordinary Sunday into a memorable day at Merrick Park.
Ana, a La Roca Miami volunteer, said everything from the candy and decorations to the face-painting booths and Easter Bunny ears was donated by church members.
“This is all for the kids,” Ana explained. “No one gets paid for this. The games, baskets, the bunny — we do this for the community and to celebrate this day.”
The event included Easter-themed stations for children such as puzzle tables, board games and basket decorating, though the egg hunt remained the biggest draw. By 1:15 p.m., the line of families waiting to join stretched around the shops.
Located at 358 San Lorenzo Avenue and run by Florida Fresh Markets, the Merrick Park Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market features a rotation of local vendors offering produce, coffee, desserts and homemade goods.
One visitor, UM student Kate Sinha, said she had no idea the event was even happening.
“I just came for the market, but I’m so glad I saw it,” Sinha said, holding a cup of hand-picked strawberries topped with Dubai chocolate and pistachio dressing. “It’s rare to find strawberries that are so fresh this time of year.”
Outside of the event, the weekly market opened as usual. This Easter Sunday, many of the vendors benefited from the extra foot traffic and were excited to share their creations with the community.
Emanuel Martinez, 26, founder of “Neo Bean Coffee,” is one of the newer vendors benefiting from the Easter crowd. What started as a personal blend to help with focus and health turned into a full business after friends and family encouraged him to sell it.
“They started asking where they could buy it,” he said. Since launching in January, Martinez has become a regular at markets across Miami, including Zoo Miami and Merrick Park. His blends are infused with MCT oil and mushroom extracts and are also available through online subscriptions.
Other vendors similarly sell healthy alternatives to better cater to the nutrition-focused Miami audience. At “Barbycakes,” Barbara Marcano, 46, has been selling gluten-free, sugar-free baked goods made with monk fruit and almond flour.
“I used to do regular sweets,” said Marcano, a culinary-trained baker. “But once I moved to Miami, I saw a demand for healthier alternatives, so I changed everything.”
Marcano has been running her business for eight years and currently rotates through various markets in the area. She’s been part of the Merrick lineup for the past seven months and also offers delivery. Some of her treats are even vegan, made by request.
Longtime vendors, like a Homestead-based fruit stand that hand-picks and sells pesticide-free produce, were also enjoying the busy Sunday. The small family-run business, started by a husband and wife duo 12 years ago, is known for selling fresh, homegrown fruit, including carefully hand-seeded pomegranate seeds.
“We’ve been coming to Merrick for years,” one worker said. “We love it here.”
The couple travels from Homestead to sell at markets throughout Miami, making Merrick one of their more established stops.
Bigger vendors like “Dynasty Guacamole” also agreed that Merrick is one of the best spots to connect with health-conscious shoppers.
“This is a great spot,” said Adolfo, 25, brother of the owner. “The farmers market’s been the best for getting healthy food in front of people who actually care about it.”
“Dynasty Guacamole,” which has been featured in Sarasota Magazine, offers guacamole, mango salsa, ceviche and other gluten-free dips made with no added sugar. The business started four to five years ago and has since grown a strong following across Miami farmers’ markets.
“We just want to spread happiness,” Adolfo said. “Our food helps people instead of harming.”
The overall event turnout reflected the power of simple acts of kindness and how giving without expecting anything in return brings people together. From church volunteers donating time and supplies to small business owners sharing their passion with the community, the day served as a reminder that creating meaningful experiences doesn’t require big headlines, just a willingness to show up.
With La Roca planning to return next year, the Easter event may become a cherished tradition at Merrick Park, continuing to unite neighbors, families and vendors through generosity and shared joy.