Mari Miller: Farmer’s Market hosts a “Grand Opening”


The Vance County Regional Farmers Market hosted their “Grand Opening” Saturday, June 28th.

I attended the first day of the market back on June 11th, visiting 9 vendors with a wide selection of items for attendees. This time the market was fuller with a total of 12 vendors. Six of the vendors that were there I met on my first trip, (Simple Luxuries, Kerr Lake Master Gardeners, JASM Farms, Franklin Brothers Nursery and Greenhouse, LouMag Enterprises, and Backroad Farm and Vineyard) this time the additional six added even new dimensions to the market. Davis Dyes was a very interesting vendor. This young vendor, Parkins Davis, brought back memories of my high school days in the early 1970’s. He was selling a selection of tie dyed clothing items that were unique and useful. Next to his booth was another addition I had not met before. Ada’s Goodies are just that. Homemade goodness. She offered a wide selection of sweet breads, traditional carrot loaf and apple cake, but also some combinations I look forward to trying. She had a Blackberry Wine loaf that I snatched up to share later with my husband.

Another new vendor was next to Ada, this one offering Seasoning and Marinade sauces made in Oxford and bottled in Louisburg. Orelly’s Curry-Q Sauce Company is located in Oxford but he sells his sauces in some of the local markets here in Henderson. Royston Orelly Brown began cooking with his parents in Jamaica and many of his sauces have a very spicy blend to them. Available in both mild and hot varieties, these are sure to be a treat at any summer picnic table. Also available at Orelly’s are a product line I had never seen before. His daughter designs bouquets of candy. She incorporates everyday candy like peppermint drops and Skittles into baskets of wonder. They will be there every Saturday this summer, so do check this vendor out.

The Boundary Waters Farm Exclusives Country Critters Art vendor offered a nice selection of homemade greeting cards, matted prints, and Christmas Ornaments. She takes her own photos then creates quite a lovely product when she is finished. Whether it is a gift card or an addition to your ornament display at the holidays, or maybe just a little color from one of her paintings or prints, all of her items are sure to please. Harvey Hills Farm was offering a variety of small house and garden plants. They had herbs and spices available as well as some fresh berries. The last of the new vendors I met seemed to be the busiest. Farmer John’s Produce was selling fresh sweet corn, melons, and peaches along with the standard garden vegetables. It is very likely many of his offerings will be enjoyed this coming July 4th holiday.

I made it a point to ask the vendors that I had met before how they thought it was going so far with the new location. Many of them shared the same thought, it was a nice improvement but more foot traffic would help. Many of these vendors were a familiar sight when the market was held behind the YMCA for so many years. The new building offers a cleaner atmosphere and better parking, as well as bathroom facilities. The manager of the market, Tracy Madigan took a moment to speak to me about plans for additions to the market throughout the summer. She is coordinating with some of the health departments in Vance County to have a health fair in late July and then again in August. She also plans to have a Nutritionist come and give a cooking display using some of the food offerings available at the market.

Overall, the market has had a nice start. More publicity is needed to get the community aware of all the Farmers Market has to offer. As in any endeavor, everyone needs to take part. Here’s to hoping the summer months bring lots of vendors and customers to the market.

 

By Mari Miller