In addition to the Jasper Farmers’ Market that is held every Saturday morning, from 7:30 to 12, there will be another held on Wednesdays in the afternoon from 3 to 7:30 starting June 17.
There is an extra day during the peek season to take advantage of all of that wonderful produce that is being harvested and the sooner it gets to your table the better it taste. Now is the time and the new hours will give working folks a chance to stop by on their way home and shop at the Market and pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables for supper. With a record number of 66 vendors setting up at this past Saturday’s Market, there is an amazing amount of food, merchandise, services and information available and something new almost every week.
Anne Shearouse, a regular vendor at the Market, gave a well attended talk and demonstration on building a worm box with an illustrated handout for those who wanted to make one at home. She also had three kinds of earthworms to sell. Next Saturday’s Educational Event will feature Zach White, who will be talking about annuals that are drought and deer tolerant, the subjects that most of his customers are interested in and that he sells a lot of. At the first Wednesday Market, a relatively new vendor, Bea Brown, has a story to tell about healthier living, better eating and the Farmers’ Market connection. Her talk will take place at 4. On June 20, Camille Morgan will have a talk on plant propagation and will tell you how you can save money by producing your own new plants. The Saturday events are held around 10; Wednesdays vary.
The Pickens County Reading Council was at the Market Saturday, giving away free books to the children. This non-profit group comes to the Market once a year just after school is out to encourage young people to get involve in summer reading programs. They also give away books at other community events and are responsible for filling the bookcase that comes with every Habitat for Humanity home. They even interview the family to ascertain the reading levels and interest of all family members. Volunteers participating included Karen Gurty, Janice Sly and Sherry Carter.
Elaine Carey Goble has been a Market vendor with her handmade Natures Essence Skincare for several years now but had not been there this year until Saturday. “Bring the Spa experience home”, reads her business card, and her all natural bath, body, hair and skin care products are available to make that happen.
A few booths away another spa experience was available as Janet A. Smith was offering chair massage; a yummy treat at the Farmers’ Market that has absolutely no calories. She usually works on a person’s neck, shoulders and back but will also massage hands and arms if requested. In just 10 or 15 minutes you can increase circulation, reduce stress and enhance your well-being.
The Jasper Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning through Oct. 31 from 7:30 to noon and on Wednesday afternoons from 3 until 7:30 p.m., June 17 to August 26. Exceptions will be July 4 and Oct. 3 when there will be no Market. The location is the Park & Ride lot beside Lee Newton Park on Highway 53 near downtown Jasper. Only handmade and homegrown items can be sold at the Market; see the Master Gardeners Web site for complete rules. The Farmers’ Market is a project of the Pickens County Master Gardeners (www.pickensmg.com) and the County Extension office (706-253- 8840). Please contact either for more information.
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| The most vendors ever were at the Jasper Farmers' Market Saturday |
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