With Town Board approval in hand, 
organizers of a new downtown Davidson Farmer’s Market this week talked to more than 20 area farmers who are interested in joining the Saturday markets to sell locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats and other produce. That’s double what organizers expected for the first year. The market plans to run every Saturday from May 3 through October in an area off Main Street, beside Town Hall and behind Summit Coffee.
The market has been organized by Davidson residents working in cooperation with non-profit Downtown Davidson Inc., an association of local merchants and residents that promotes downtown.
Carol Mayes and Mary Jane Leach, who are in charge of lining up farmers, met with about 20 farmers from Troutman to China Grove on March 5 at Town Hall to outline the group’s plans and sign up vendors.
PRODUCE, MEAT & EGGS
They said this week that on opening day, May 3, farmers would be offering a wide range of produce, including salad greens, spinach, carrots, beets, shitake mushrooms, herbs, and greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers.
Meats including beef, pork, and ostrich will be available, as well as eggs, soap, and baked goods. As the season progresses, strawberries, cantaloupe, cut flowers, and other products will be sold, market organizers said.
The farmers are optimistic that Davidson can support a new market. “This is very exciting for us…this will finally be the market we’ve been dreaming of being a part of since we started the circuit in 1991,” said Suzanne Ballard of New Moon Farms Organic.
Tommy Barbee, of Barbee Farms, said it will be important for organizers to educate to educate local consumers about seasonal produce, so people will know what kinds of products to expect.
Davidson Farmer’s Market has designated a group of farmers who have signed on for the inaugural season as its “Founding Farmers.” Some commitments are still in the works, but those who have signed up so far include: Dave and Suzanne Ballard of New Moon Farm Organic; Natalie Veres and Cassie Parsons of Grateful Growers; Tommy Barbee of Barbee Farm; Lee Menius of Wild Turkey Farms; Pat Roberts of Bird Brain Ranch; Henry Imhoff of Henry’s Wholesome Foods; Rita Rodelli of Lavender Farm; Jim Arthurs of Big Jim’s Produce; Chris Arthurs of T & M Farm; Patrick Poitras and Trisha Raglin of Half Moon Gardens; Chris Goodrum of K.C. Farm; and Sarah Lomax. Also, Dane & Maria Fisher of Fisher Farms, and Greg Hartsell and Tim Sloop of Twin Oaks Farm.
TOWN APPROVAL, SPONSORSHIPS
The Davidson Town Board on Tuesday approved without discussion an agreement that will allow the market to operate downtown. In the agreement the town is allowing the group to use town property, including Town Hall restrooms, water and electricity and trash facilities. The market agrees to work on attracting farmers and shoppers, to manage the weekly sales and to indemnify the town in the case of accidents.
Meanwhile, market organizers have also been busy in recent months lining up financial commitments and sponsorships. In an announcement this week, they listed their sponsors: Market Properties, Inc, Davidson Lands Conservancy, DavidsonNews.net, Mayes Wilson & Associates, Baybridge Management, Wellbeing Natural Health, Davidson Therapeutic Massage, Little Fish Marketing, Zimmerman Chiropractic, Lake Norman YMCA, Ginseng Junction Health Care, Réa Wright Counseling and Consulting, Summit Coffee, Pilates Studio at the Lake, Main Street Books, Davidson Family Medicine, Vital Foods, LLC, and Knox Realty.
WANT TO GO?
The Davidson Farmer’s Market, an initiative of Downtown Davidson, Inc., opens Saturday, May 3, and will run every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon through October. It will be located in the green space next to Town Hall between Main and Jackson Streets. Details on the Downtown Davidson website.
WANT TO HELP?
With this bumper crop of farmers (almost double what organizers anticipated), the farmer’s market will have even more tents and tables to set up on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings before the market. This is a fun opportunity for families and other groups and individuals who want to help “raise the tents.” To volunteer, please contact Mary Jane Leach at leach4800@bellsouth.net or 704-987-3501.
The market also is currently seeking donations of 6-8 ft. folding tables and 10 x 10 ft. pop up tents, as well as utility buckets, hand trucks and garbage cans.
