Canning and jamming, baking and mixing, crafting and
cooking; the Monticello Farmers/Vendors Market was back in action on Saturday,
August 3rd. What better way
for home based entrepreneurs, or new businesses, to show off their wares than
at the market? What better way for
consumers to get freshly made food products, or handmade crafts, than at the
market?
While only three vendors were at Veterans Memorial Park,
it is not unusual for a slow start. Once
word gets around though, and photos are shared on Facebook, that is when folks
begin coming round. More stands begin
opening, and at only $10 a spot, that is a bargain right there. August and September are the months the
market is open, every Saturday, from 8am to 12pm. As the weeks progress, the abundance of
fruits, vegetables, baked goods, hand crafted items and more offer up numerous
selections to locals and visitors.
Let’s meet the first wave of vendors. First there is Backyard Gold, a three
generation, home based business managed by Pam Hanson, her daughter Emily
Clarke, and granddaughter Adeline. While
Pam is the breakfast burrito and baked bread maker, it is Adeline who is the
product inspector. She will make sure to
pick out the perfect selection for the buyer.
Emily is the spice mixologist and rose water creator. All three ladies will be expanding their
offerings soon with keto and gluten free, spice mixes, honey and a variety of
canned products and baked goods.
Next to buy from is Thea Langston, who will tell you
proudly about her homemade, no preservatives ever, jams, jellies, breads,
rolls, cinnamon buns and pickles. Her
wild raspberry jam has a perfect consistency that smoothly slathers; that’s
right, I like to slather it on, no smears for me! Oh sorry, went on a side rail there; back to
slathering onto that lovely baked bread from Backyard Gold. Next time I plan on trying Thea’s bread as I
am an equal opportunity carb consumer. I
did purchase one of Thea’s banana breads with streusel topping; each slice a
comforting, hug-me moment.
Alright all you home vegetable gardeners, get those extra
crops picked and be at the market on Saturdays.
This home cook is looking for plump tomatoes and huge onions; how else
am I going to make pasta sauce!?! But
seriously folks, do not let the abundance of gardens and orchards go to waste,
sell them to those who want to buy; same for all those craft artisans.
Monticello Farmers/Vendors Market; every Saturday in
August and September; Veterans Memorial Park, 8am to 12pm…be there!
Mary Cokenour