Farmers markets opening in Three Rivers area

The Batesville Main Street Farmers Market, in its second year, has added seven new farmers to the market’s list of vendors. The farmers will conduct a composting demonstration on the market’s opening day.
The Batesville Main Street Farmers Market, in its second year, has added seven new farmers to the market’s list of vendors. The farmers will conduct a composting demonstration on the market’s opening day.

For many, spring is the signal to start another fun — and appetizing — season. Fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers line gardens as the weather continues to warm up, and Saturday-morning trips to farmers markets fill in the gaps that personal gardens might leave.

In many communities throughout the Three Rivers Edition coverage area, farmers markets have already started opening or will open this weekend for the first time this year. Market organizers have said that growers are ready, and shoppers have already expressed their excitement for the 2015 season.

The Batesville Main Street Farmers Market will start its second season Saturday, and market manager Jean Larson said last year’s market drew vendors and shoppers in every month of the season.

“It was our first year last year,” she said. “We only ran it once a month, and it was it a huge success.”

The farmers market in Batesville takes place in the pocket park on Main Street. The market will open at 8 a.m. and run until noon, and it will be held the first and third Saturdays in May and June; every Saturday in July, August and September; and the first and third Saturdays in October and November.

Because of last year’s popularity, Larson said, more farmers have agreed to participate in this year’s market.

“More farmers are coming,” she said. “We had four farmers last year, and now we have 11.”

The vendors will bring a variety of vegetables, meats and cheeses, herbs, eggs, honey and goat-milk soap products this season. Larson said the growing practices of the farmers are important to market organizers, and most farmers avoid harmful fertilizers and pesticides.

“Most are doing sustainable practices, and they’re growing really beautiful food,” Larson said. “This is what the local food movement is all about.”

For opening day on Saturday, there will be a composting demonstration at 10 a.m., and children will have a chance to play in the back area of the park to plant their own vegetable seeds in small pots with help from market volunteers.

For more information on the market or to receive a vendor application, call Larson at (208) 869-1445 or email jeallo16@gmail.com.

In Mountain View, the Stone County Farmers Market is more of a free-flowing market that starts whenever the vendors decide to begin selling.

“We shoot from the hip,” coordinator R.C. Shroeder said. “If you’re there, you can be selling.”

The market runs from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Centennial Bank Park. There is no official start date, and Shroeder said once some vendors arrive, the market action quickly grows.

To sell in the Stone County Farmers Market, a vendor must pay either $5 a week or $20 for the season. Other than that, the rules are pretty simple.

“All you have to do is produce your own stuff — don’t resell anyone else’s stuff — and be primarily all produce,” Shroeder said. “It’s not a craft show.”

To get more information or to pay a vendor fee, contact Shroeder at (870) 746-4263.

The Searcy Certified Farmers Market has already started and will run until Nov. 21, according to the market’s Facebook page. The market is located at the Courthouse Square and held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and from 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays.

In Cabot, the Cabot Farmers Market will start Saturday and will take place from 8 a.m. to noon weekly. The market is at re:new Community Church, 1122 S. Second St.

The Cabot Farmers Market will run every Saturday through Oct. 3. Local growers and vendors are expected with seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked goods and locally produced food products, as well as handmade and homemade arts and crafts.

For more information about the Cabot Farmers Market, visit www.cabotfarmersmarket.com.

Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or aspencer@arkansasonline.com.

Upcoming Events