Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
The blustery conditions this past week made the visit to the Catawba Farmers Market even more exciting. Challenging wind kept everyone alert as table signs and other items were flying in different directions. The enthusiasm for the second week of the farmers market season was high, as vendors and shoppers were happy to be together again.
The Catawba Farmers Market opens Thursdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m. each week, May through October. Vendors provide a wide variety of products. Vegetable and flower plants were plentiful from Hillside Plants and Produce, and homemade jams, jellies and honeys were available from Hall Gardens. Unique flavors like the purple potato chips and sweet potato chips gave shoppers new options and an opportunity to ask questions. Plenty of tasty breads and sweet treat selections tempted shoppers. Blue Ridge Bakery owner Dallas Miller brought her popular Oatmeal Cream Pies, which “sold out fast,” Miller stated. Add a variety of meat products, steaks, chops, roasts and even peppered bacon from Walnut Tree Farm and the table is ready to be set.
Local food systems support local economies, enhance food security, improve health and reduce environmental impact. The closer the food source, the better nutrition is provided. The Catawba Farmers Market has been a consistent source for connecting local food to the community since opening in 2010, based at the Community Center since May 2011. Following the Virginia state farmers market guidelines, markets host vendors within 100 miles, with the focus of 60% produce and food products, with 40% handcrafted goods. “We’re happy to be back,” shared Pam Garmen, market manager and greeter. “We have some new vendors. Glen Kotval from Blue Ridge Microfarm is bringing microgreens, a big food trend right now.”
Thursday, May 29 will be Artisans Day at the Catawba Farmers Market and will bring several handcrafted vendors to the market. Phifer Crafts will be there with her 100% cotton fabric creations. Phifer Herrala has designed a collection, handmade paperless towels, featuring fun, festive prints. These eco-friendly towels are perfect for holiday picnics, backyard BBQs, or just brightening up your kitchen,” Herrala said. Her selection of fabrics in bright colors and prints add happiness and reduce waste, a win-win.
Phifer Crafts can also be found at the Craig County Farmers Market, which kicked off the season in May. This is the second year for the Craig market, open each Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vendors and shoppers agree that it’s a big win for the community. “We needed this!” one shopper exclaimed as she walked past. Jessica Dennis provided beautiful seasonal flower bouquets from her flower farm in Newport for shoppers. Baked goods, maple syrup, vegetable plants and other items covered tables under the market building. Jaden Hibbitts of Jay’s Suds had a glorious display of soaps, scrubs, body butters, chapsticks and more. Seeds for Generations provided enthusiastic support for growers, with thousands of varieties of seeds to choose from. Regular vendors at the Craig County Farmers Market represent the region, including just over the state line into West Virginia.
Craig County Farmers Market is located on Main Street in New Castle. Chelsea Blankenship shared “vendors are welcome, for a week or the season. Space is just $10 weekly.” Providing options for local farmers to reach local shoppers builds community. Knowing the food producers in the local community is becoming essential to good health and wellbeing and makes the local economy strong. Visit their website for more information https://craigcountyfarmersmarket.com.
photos by bonnie cranmer
