A local music group, Crossroads Strings, will perform on July 25 between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. at the Catawba Valley Farmers Market. Several music styles will be featured on this day: Christian, country, rock and folk, from Amazing Grace to Rocky Top to Blowing in the Wind. The expected instruments to be used include guitar, mandolin, banjo, tenor guitar, autoharp, ukulele, piano, cajón, and percussion instruments.
Crossroads Strings was formed a little over a year ago when Faye Powers offered free music classes to members of the Crossroads Church if those members would donate to a Pay It Forward Fund. This fund is used to help local citizens with various needs. Faye says that even though quite a few of the church members are middle-aged to seniors, they have discovered that they are “never too old to try.” The members now range in age from 8 to 80. “Having fun, praising God that we are still able to play and sing,” is what this group is all about. The performance is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
While urging everyone to come out to enjoy the free music, Ann Harrell, Market Manager, reminds folks that the main purpose of the farmers market is to provide local, fresh and affordable foods for the community. The selection of fruits and vegetables is most exceptional in late July and early August. Vendors also offer grass-fed beef, pork products, eggs, baked goods, jams, pickles and other preserved foods, as well as an array of handmade crafts.
The Catawba Valley Farmers Market (CVFM) vendors are celebrating their 10th season and National Farmers Market Week by holding a Farm-to-Table Dinner on August 10 at the Catawba Community Center picnic shelter, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets must be bought by August 1 and are available at the Farmers Market (cash or credit card) or by calling 540-765-8750 (credit card).
Adult tickets are $20.00 each; tickets for children ages 3 to 11 are $15.00 each. The meal will include various appetizers, tomato/cucumber salad, vinegar-grilled chicken half, herb-roasted potatoes, bacon-wrapped green bean bundles, rolls, blueberry/peach cobbler topped with ice cream and a beverage. This is a sit-down meal, with foods grown, prepared and served by CVFM vendors and associates.
The Catawba Valley Farmers Market is open on Thursdays from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., rain or shine. Vendors are set up in the shade of the picnic shelter at the Catawba Community Center, 4965 Catawba Creek Road in Catawba. The farmers market area is handicap accessible. A weekly newsletter with information on available foods, activities and events at the farmers market may be seen on the Farmers Market website (catawbafarmersmarket.com) and on Facebook.
The Catawba Valley Farmers Market is a collaborative project of the Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center, County of Roanoke, Catawba Valley Ruritan Club and the Catawba community.
The CVFM is open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
- Submitted by Ann G. Harrell, Catawba Valley Farmers Market Manager