Farmers Market merchants say farewell until 2010

By Sue Davis

For The Salisbury Post

Today, people are interested in fresh vegetables, eggs, meats and baked goods that are locally produced. Cities are interested in bringing people to town, and the farming families of communities around cities are interested in being recognized as a vital part of the areas.

This phenomenon has not passed by Salisbury. From April to October, the Salisbury Farmers Market provides chefs and families with great food and crafts and floral bouquets.

Closing day for the 2009 market was Oct. 31. The good news is that many of our vendors provide some produce, eggs, meats and baked goods all year. The craft vendors are busy with shows and will willingly create for you throughout the year.

I asked many of the vendors what they would do with their time after the market closed.

Mrs. Eagle said she was going to clean house.

Chris, from How Sweet It Is, said she was eager to sleep in on Saturday mornings.

Mr. Cress said he would be cutting wood and building a fire to enjoy. I suspect he may be found some cold late fall evenings out in the greenhouse with a cat on his lap, keeping his tomato plants for next year warm. He will be busy tending his 85 beef cattle.

Mary hopes to spend more time with her family after helping her dad all season.

The Mauldin Family from T & D Charolais Beef will be tending their 500 to 600 cows and their calves.

Joyce from Joyce's Greenhouse said she would be busy preparing for next season by cleaning the greenhouse, looking for new seeds and plants to try, and she will rest a little.

Ruth Booker, who seldom rests, will be at Rufty Holmes 3 days a week exercising and teaching billiards. She sews every day.

Emma Ruth from the Bread Basket bakes all year and is watching for new recipes for next year.

Harry, our Farmers Market Manager is going on vacation!

The one message Harry and all the vendors asked to be conveyed to the community and those who have supported the farmers market in 2009 is gratitude for coming each week and supporting them.

They will miss you as much as you will miss them. They will all be ready for opening day in April 2010.

Sue Davis is a Master Gardener volunteer.

Where can you

contact vendors?

• Oxendine Farms has eggs for sale. Contact them at 980-521-4463.

• T & D Charolais Beef has beef for sale all year. To place and order and pick up call 704-855-2697.

• How Sweet It Is welcomes your orders. Call 704-637-5014 or email mkturco@bellsouth.net.

• Cress Farms has 12 varieties of apples. Call to arrange pickup at 704-857-5341.

• Wild Turkey Farms welcomes your calls to pick up pasture-raised beef, pork and eggs. Contact them at 704-202-9348 or view their website www.wildturkey farms.com. Subscribe to their newsletter by emailing wildturkey_farms@yahoo.com.

• The Bread Basket welcomes special orders. You can order the same things you enjoyed all season by calling 704-798-5499 or emailing Emma at breadbasketnc@gmail.com.

• Find Ruth Booker at the Rufty Holmes Craft Show and on Nov. 21 at the craft show at the Civic Center. Ruth does alterations year round. 704-636-2163.

• Frogholler Farm 16 quilts, crafts, embroidery, lavender and herbs are available by calling 704-233-0007 or emailing froghollerfarm16@yahoo.com. Dorothy will arrange for pickup.