High Country Press | Farmers' Market Update

Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

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JULY 22, 2010 ISSUE

Farmers’ Market Weekly Update

Compiled by Anna Oakes

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.
•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.

It’s the peak of market season. From veggies and meats to flowers and décor, fill your table and home with items from the High Country’s farmers’ markets. Rain or shine, the markets will be open.

Watauga County Farmers’ Market SATURDAY AND WEDNESDAY
Produce at the Watauga Farmers’ Market includes heirloom tomatoes, okra, lettuce, Swiss chard, squash varieties, peaches, cucumbers, sweet corn, greens, melons, green beans, spinach, garlic, kohlrabi, carrots, turnips, basil, blackberries, onions and more.

Meats include chicken, grass-fed beef, pork products and free-range eggs. Also, look for raw chocolate and other raw foods, cut flowers, fruit pies, hot sauces, breads, pasta, baked treats, honey and original artwork and furniture.

The market will begin accepting food donations on Saturdays for individuals and families in need through the Society of St. Andrews.
The market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and every Wednesday from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Horn in the West in Boone. To find Horn in the West, turn next to First Citizens Bank on Highway 105 Extension and go to the top of the hill. In addition to cash, the market can accept EBT cards. For more info, call 828-355-4918 or click to www.wcfm.info.

Ashe County Farmers’ Market SATURDAY AND WEDNESDAY
The Ashe County Farmers’ Market is located on the Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson and is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The market features produce, baked goods, eggs, meats, goat’s milk cheese and crafts.
Get ready for the market’s Berry Pie Contest on Saturday, July 24. Bring entries to the market between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.; judging takes place at 11:00 a.m. based on taste and appearance.
For more info and contest rules, call Market Manager John Smyre at 910-309-1932 or 336-877-4141 or click to www.ashefarmersmarket.com.

Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market THURSDAY
The Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market takes place on Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wallingford Street downtown. Wallingford is located between Memorial Park and the American Legion Hall.

The market will continue every Thursday through October. For more info, call the Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851 or click to www.blowingrock.com/farmersmarket.htm.

Valle Crucis Farmers’ Market FRIDAY
The Valle Crucis Farmers’ Market takes place on Fridays from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. behind the original Mast General Store. The market features fresh organic produce, plants and flowers, home-baked goods, jellies and vinegars. New food and plant vendors are welcome; no arts and crafts will be sold. For more info, contact Mary Wood at 828-963-6511.

Avery County Farmers’ Market SATURDAY
The Avery County Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon through October at the Newland Elementary School parking lot. The market offers produce, baked goods, crafts, preserves and meats. For more info, call 828-733-8270.

Johnson County Farmers’ Market SATURDAY AND TUESDAY
The Johnson County Farmers’ Market is located off Highway 421 on Highway 67 (Shoun’s Crossing) in Mountain City, Tenn., and is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through September. Weekly Tuesday markets are from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Vendors regularly offer vegetables and fruits, coffee, baked goods, eggs, meats, locally grown plants and transplants and handmade crafts. The market can accept EBT food stamps, and every food stamp dollar is worth two dollars at the market. For more info, call 423-895-9980 or click to www.johnsoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

High Country Farmers’ Market SUNDAY
The High Country Farmers’ Market is open every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Earth Fare parking lot in Boone. The market features a selection of fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, baked goods, pasta, crafts and worm compost.

For more info, contact Alistair Burke at 828-264-5630 or click to www.highcountryfarmersmarket.wordpress.com.

Lees-McRae Farmers’ Market MONDAY
The Lees-McRae Farmers’ Market takes place every Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Tate Lawn, just off of Main Street in Banner Elk between Hayes Auditorium and the Chaffee Administration building.

Among the products sold are grass-fed beef, salad greens, free-range duck, Cornish game hens, artisan bread, cut flowers and locally harvested maple syrup. The market has easy access to parking and an ATM in the student center. For more info, contact Katie Hayes at 828-898-8772 or hayesk@lmc.edu.