By Sue Davis
Master Gardener Volunteer
SALISBURY ó It is necessary to stay alert when visiting the Salisbury Farmers Market in the fall. Many of the vendors we relied on for our summer favorites are no longer coming to the market with fall cole crops, winter squash and pumpkins. Others are taking a well deserved weekend off. As a result, new vendors are in vacated spaces and others have moved under the shade tent where the more familiar vendors have been. It is not unusual for one customer to stop another and ask, ěWho has collards?î or ěWhere can I find sweet potatoes?î
Eagle Farm operators are not only still at their familiar location but they have summer squash, peppers and tomatoes grown on their farm, along with some fall favorites. Itís a good contrast to the winter squash, pumpkins, collards and greens being offered by other vendors.
Fresh flower bouquets from Seng Yeng are available, too. Li Lei and her family are taking this weekend off, so there will not be the fresh flavors of Asian vegetables and lettuce we usually enjoy. She will be back on Oct. 29. The Funky Pepper has condiments and sauces to compliment locally grown items found at the market.
T&D Charolais Beef has a variety of cuts of top quality beef. Their cuts of beef are great for grilling, roasting or slow cooking. Wild Turkey Farm is back this week with some specials on hamburger, angus beef hot dogs and American brats.
The bakers are in a festive mood. How Sweet It Is! has Halloween cookies and rainbow cake. The Bread Basket has spice bars, cranberry chocolate chip bars and pumpkin whoopie pies.
This is the time of year when new, seasonal vendors are invited to sell their produce, plants, crafts and edibles at the market. There are rules you need to comply with to participate. Crafts must be created by the vendor, foods must be prepared in a licensed kitchen and follow specific processing and packaging requirements and plants and produce must comply with specific standards.
If you are interested in selling at the Salisbury Farmers Market, contact Market Manager Harry Agner at 704-633-3503 to get detailed information
The Salisbury Farmers Market is open 7 a.m. until noon on Saturdays at the corner of Bank Street and Main Street.
On Nov. 5, the hours of the market will change to Saturday 9 a.m. until noon. Local growers will continue to provide you with their produce. The benefit is that you can shop when the temperatures are comfortable.
Sue Davis is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with Cooperative Extension in Rowan County.