Mike Todd of Bird Brain Ostrich Ranch in Sherrill's Ford talks to shoppers at a winter tailgate market April 17.

3rd season of regular weekly markets opens Saturday

Six new vendors offering fruit and vegetables, baked goods, soaps and flowers will join Davidson Farmers Market when it opens its third regular season of weekly markets this Saturday, May 1, from 8 a.m. to noon, in downtown Davidson.

The market runs every Saturday through October from 8 am – noon, off Main Street next to Town Hall. This year’s market will feature 32 farmers and vendors offering locally grown and organic vegetables and fruits, meats, eggs, honey, dairy and fresh flowers as well as baked goods and non-food items such as soaps and farmer-made crafts.

The weekly market returns after a second winter of twice-monthly tailgate sales that have attracted big crowds and organizers are expecting a big turnout for Saturday’s opening.

In addition, thousands of people are expected downtown Saturday for the annual Town Day, which runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street and the Village Green. (NOTE: Main Street will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. between Concord Road and the CVS.)

Besides adding organic produce and new items, the farmers market this year had a goal of providing a sale outlet for new and small farms. These six new vendors will join the market beginning Saturday:

• All Seasons Farm – Members of the Elma P. Lomax Incubator Farm with organic and heirloom produce & flowers.
• Coldwater Creek Farm – Vegetables and herbs, handmade crafts.
• Essential Soap Co. – Handmade soap, skin cream, bath salts and oils, and lip balms.
• Goforth’s Garden – Peaches.
• Millstone Meadows Farm – Quiches, tarts, flatbreads, potato chips and rice & grain salads.
• The Pasta Wench – Handmade fresh pasta, ravioli and sauces using locally grown herbs and produce.
• The Inspired Garden – Heirloom produce and cut flowers.

Besides sales, the market each week also offers music, educational programs and special events.

This year, those will include a new series of cooking classes with chef Kris Reid, a caterer, graduate of Johnson & Wales and champion of local foods. Ms. Reid will offer eight cooking sessions each featuring a different meat or dairy farmer as well as various produce vendors. Attendees will learn new techniques and skills to incorporate into their home kitchen.

And Norma Stewart will also present several cooking demonstrations throughout the summer showcasing the best of what’s in season with new and original recipes.

Returning farmers and vendors include: Audrey’s Produce; Barbee Farm; Betty’s Blooms; Big Jim’s Produce; Bird Brain Ranch; by Lucille, Artisan Baker; Big Oak Farm; Cackleberry Farm; Calico Farmstead Cheese; Chef Charles Catering; Correll Farms; Elliott Apiary; Farm at Weathers Creek; Gilcrest Natural Farm; Grateful Growers Farm; The Lavender Garden; Grow It Greener; Half Moon Gardens; Henry’s Wholesome Foods; Herr Fresh Flowers; Hippie Kitchen; Houston Produce; KC Farm; Mary Howard’s Garden; Mood Indigo Soaps; New Moon Farm Organic; Sweet Cakes; Twin Oaks Farm and Wild Turkey Farms.

For more information on the market, its farmers and upcoming events and to sign up for the weekly email newsletter, visit www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org.

(NOTE: Davidson Farmers Market is proud to be a sponsor of the Davidson Farmers Market for a third year.)

Shoppers at the April 17 winter tailgate market downtown Davidson.

ABOUT DAVIDSON FARMER’S MARKET
The Davidson Farmer’s Market, Inc. is a year-round, producer-only market located next to Davidson Town Hall between Main and Jackson Streets. The Market operates every Saturday from 8:00 am – Noon in May through October and bi-weekly in November through April. The support of the following sponsors make the 2010 season of the Davidson Farmer’s Market possible: Davidson Lands Conservancy, DavidsonNews.net, MI-Connection, Chef Charles Catering, JJ Wade Insurance Agency, Knox Realty, Littlefish Marketing, Mayes Wilson & Associates, McIntosh Law Firm, Wooden Stone Gallery, Baybridge Management, Bragg Financial Advisors, ‘Cats on Main, Cocoon Salon, Farm Bureau Insurance of North Mecklenburg, Fifi’s Fine Resale, John Marshall Custom Homes, Jorel Association Management, Lake Norman Embroidery and Screen Printing, Wellbeing Natural Health, Lake Norman YMCA, Zimmerman Family Wellness, Brenda Pressley, CPA, PA, The Cycle Path, Davidson Chocolate Co., Davidson Family Medicine, Davidson Village Inn, Fifth/Third Bank, Know Your Farms, Sandy and Rex Kragh and Family, Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Books, Market Properties, Inc., Money with a Mission/FAFN, Nucentric Solutions, Town of Davidson, Our Town Cinemas Davidson, PiES (Project for Innovation, Energy & Sustainability), Pilates Studio at the Lake, Smarthinking PR, Snap Fitness and WDAV.