OCTOBER 29, 2009 ISSUE
Farmers’ Market Weekly Update
All good things come to an end, and that includes our area farmers’ markets, which end this week. But several holiday markets are scheduled for November and December, and the Ashe County Farmers’ Market plans to debut a new winter market that will run from January to March 2010.
Rain or shine, the markets will be open.
Watauga County Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ Market Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your farmers’ market shopping experience.
•Bring small bills. It’s easier for sellers to make change.
•Ask questions. Learn about unfamiliar varieties and even how to prepare them.
•Go early for the best selection.
•Go late for the best deals.
•Use large, reusable bags or baskets. Eliminate the need for plastic or paper bags.
•Reuse egg cartons, flower pots, berry baskets and bags.
•Shop cooperatively with friends or family. Buying in bulk could save you money.
•Do not bring pets except service animals.
•Bring a picnic. Supplement your meal with desserts, fruits, veggies, cheeses, bread and coffee from the market.
The final regular Saturday market of the season at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market will be this Saturday, October 31, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Horn in the West.
The warm season vegetables have mostly submitted to the cold, but there are still plenty of tasty selections for enjoying over the coming winter. Dawn Rhudy has all cuts of fresh lamb each week and farm-fresh eggs. Susan Wright of Shady Grove Gardens will have “Lady Godiva” naked seed pumpkins, which are great for roasted pumpkin seeds, along with red Cinderella pumpkins. Goldenrod Gardens will have autumn wreaths, spinach, arugula, lettuce, cilantro, parsley and possibly some jalapenos.
Charles Church of Watauga River Farms will bring hot and mild sausage, ribs, chops, backbones, broccoli, beets, onions, parsnips, daikon radishes, herbs, garlic, winter squash, carrots and red and Yukon gold potatoes. Jeff Thomas of Creeksong Farm will have all-natural beef.
Ann Rose of Rose Mountain Farm will have fresh pork sausage, pork chops, rib racks, shoulder stew cuts, loin roast, arugula, chives, chard and small amounts of rosemary, oregano and marjoram. Jason Brooks will have some grass-fed, grass-finished steaks, ground patties, ground beef and roasts of all kinds. It has been a great year for grass-fed beef because of all the rain, and everything is at the peak of flavor right now.
Christmas is less than two months away, so don't forget the fine crafts available at the farmers' market when you plan your holiday gift giving. Talented artists displaying their wares include Mark Murrey with his wood-fired porcelain pottery and Maloo Haynes and her action skirts for yoga, biking and running; knitted and crocheted hats and scarves; yoga mat carriers; cloth-covered journals and other funky gifts made from recycled and reclaimed materials.
The Watauga County Farmers’ Market will hold holiday markets on the Saturdays before and after Thanksgiving, November 21 and 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To find Horn in the West, turn next to First Citizens Bank on Highway 105 Extension and go to the top of the hill. For more info, call 828-355-4918 or click to www.wcfm.info.
Ashe County Farmers’ Market
The final regular Ashe County Farmers’ Market of the season will be this Saturday, October 31, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson. More than 100 vendors sell wholesome fruit and vegetables, farm-fresh meat and eggs, fresh herbs and flowers and all sorts of arts, crafts and music at the market.
From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. this Saturday, October 31, the farmers’ market will feature Halloween games for children of all ages, such as a cakewalk, clothespin drop, caramel dip, pumpkin face painting and apple bite on a string. Games cost 50 cents per ticket or $2.50 for all five.
For a donation of three canned food items, Angelia Shepherd Photography will provide a 4-by-6-inch color print of you or your children—dressed in your Halloween costumes or not. The proceeds will be donated to the Ashe Outreach Ministries “Backpack Program.”
Also, the market will sell soft drinks, hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings. The West Jefferson Fire Department will offer rides on its antique fire truck for the children as well.
Four holiday markets will take place on Saturdays, November 21 and 28 and December 5 and 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. A new winter farmers’ market will take place January through March 2010.
For more info, call Market Manager John Smyre at 910-309-1932 or 336-877-4141 or click to www.ashefarmersmarket.com.
Blowing Rock’s Fresh Market
The final regular Blowing Rock Fresh Market of the season is this Thursday, October 29, along Wallingford Street in downtown Blowing Rock. Parking is available in the new two-level parking deck beside the American Legion building. The hours are 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
A Holiday Fresh Market will take place on Thursday, December 17, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The market features about 20 vendors and some of the area’s finest produce, meats and plants. For more info, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851.
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