Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
The community came out on Saturday for the grand opening of the Craig County Farmers Market. Vendors from New Castle and Newport, out 621 and up to John’s Creek arrived for the new Craig County Farmers Market kickoff to the season.
There was an interested crowd early on Main Street as the band started up. Blue Connection, “a hard driving traditional style bluegrass band with a twist” provided the sounds to the celebration. People brought their chairs and their appetites for a good time.
Vendors filled the new Farmers Market, built with a grant from T-Mobile. The Hometown Grants program states, “We’re investing $25million in 500 rural towns over five years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities.” The initiative will serve Craig County and establish a retail and event space for the community.
Tina Crawford, of the New Castle Garden Club, said a beautiful mural is anticipated for the wall adjoining the Farmers Market. A miniature for display will be available soon.
Jason Matyas, a farmer and Member of the Board of Supervisors, also emphasized the market’s role in supporting local producers and artisans while bolstering the county’s economy. “Craig County is full of agricultural producers and creative artisans, and this new market will provide a great meeting place for people to enjoy the fruits of their labors and to strengthen our local economy by keeping our dollars in our community. I see this market opening as a benchmark event in the rebirth of our county into an example of local production and community interdependence.”
As shoppers lined Main Street, the scent of barbecue filled the air from the food truck, and the squeals of happy children could be heard from the Town of New Castle Park area where the games were being held, courtesy of the Kindling School.
Plenty of homegrown plants were available, including from the plant giveaway at the Craig County Library on the corner of Route 311 and Main Street. The library had a wealth of books to borrow and for sale.
The vendors included homemade baked goods, wood products, handmade knitted quilts, garden plant starts and lots of interesting local products. Phifer Crafts displayed a collection of washable fabric squares for cleansing makeup, dishclothes and reuseable fabric bags for leftovers and to pack lunches.
Land is Legacy Farms had eggs, along with Senter Farms and Paradise Pastures. Sweet Tree Botanicals had honey and infused products, while Savage Acres Farms was busy selling mushrooms, infused maple syrup and more goodies. Frecklemonster Farm was a popular and familiar seller with her sourdough bread, including new chocolate sourdough with blueberries.
The Seeds for Generations booth was popular with heirloom seeds and books on homesteading and other natural crafting. The vendors were busy selling their wares, meeting their neighbors and learning about what Craig County has to offer.
Kathi Toelki, chairman of the Craig County Farmers Market Committee, highlighted the positive changes happening in downtown New Castle, stating, “A lot of exciting things have been happening in downtown New Castle and in Craig County! New eating establishments, new events, new neighbors, increasing agritourism, and more people growing food for themselves and others. This is a great addition to our town. It gives people a place to come together and benefits both producer and consumer.”
Photos by Bonnie Cranmer
