Andrews – Under threat of rainstorms, the second season of the Andrews Farmers Market opened on its new day and in its new location with only overcast skies and eager egg buyers.
Market manager Carol McElroy of Fairfarren Farms said they were almost sold out of eggs before their opening at noon Friday.
“People started driving by and coming in as we were setting up at 11 (a.m.). So we know our new post is already more visible to the town traffic,” McElroy said.
Though a small showing with three vendors set up, both McElroy and Lambert addressed the fact that several vendors were either out of town or waiting on their plant starts and early cool-crop produce to fully develop before attending Friday’s opening, with McElroy addressing what different vendors would offer.
“We’ve had so much sign-up interest, we anticipate growing throughout the season. People are still waiting to plant some of their summer crops, but we expect to have plenty of things coming in soon,” McElroy said.
“Too, since we’ve been more active on our social media page, our numbers have increased by 200 followers, so we’re excited about people knowing we’re here for the season. Consistency is key for us and we’re committed to being here each week.”
Megan Lambert, executive director of the Cherokee Clay Food Alliance was also on hand with eggs, which sold out before the 4 p.m. market’s ending, also offered fresh picked herbs and some plant starts with plenty of information about the alliance to get others involved in the community effort.
“I’m here to provide information about our upcoming fundraisers and our involvement in the other three farmers markets in both Cherokee and Clay county.”
Golden Herbals was also in attendance, with all-natural skin care products.
Vendor Katie Colontonio of Marble said she became concerned about “chemicals that are known carcinogens in my children’s skin care products, so I decided to do something about it and make my own.”
Golden Herbals products include skin oils for nourishing facial care regimens as well as all-natural baby powder, which Colontonio says is made of blend of arrowroot and calendula powders with an addition of chamomile to provide soothing to sensitive skin.
“All my products are for sensitive skin – and grown-ups can use the baby powder as well in the summer months to guard against chafing and as deodorant,” Colontonio said.
She also strives to use many of the herbs she grows in her products or source ingredients locally, if possible, in making her line.
Both Lambert and McElroy had market events schedules to hand out.
“We anticipate one event a month and are creating events on our social media page on Facebook to generate interest so we can gauge how many people will attend,” according to McElroy.
Lambert added that she will on site to offer cooking demonstrations as well during the markets and even did a “quick pickling” of some red onions Friday with her trusty portable burner and a quick mix of honey and vinegar to turn her red onions redder in the Mason jar.
The event for May 9 is “Seeds & Sprouts,” with vendors providing both seeds for summer planting and hardened-off plants for transplanting available.
The market offers 10-foot by 10-foot spaces in the old A&P parking lot in downtown Andrews each Friday with vendor set-up at 11 a.m. The market will run from noon-4 p.m.
Spaces are being offered for either a full season which will continue through October or for “pull-up” vendors on market days. Spaces are first-come, first-served for set-ups. Vendors must supply their own set-up equipment, including tents and tables.
Details: Email andrewsfarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558394051243 and facebook.com/fairfarrenfarms.and facebook.com/fairfarrenfarms.