2011 market poster, image by Dione Goyette

2011 summer season begins Saturday next to Town Hall

Davidson Farmer’s Market kicks off its third summer of weekly markets this Saturday, April 9, with a lineup of more than 40 farmers, bakers, cheesemakers, chefs and other vendors from around the area.

Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, the market has become a weekend destination for residents and visitors. The market has kept a twice-monthly schedule over the winter, and now returns to weekly markets through Thanksgiving.

“Our farmers and vendors have been working hard this winter to plan their offerings to meet the expanding customer demand at the Market,” Market Manager Mary Jane Leach said.

“We’re thrilled to see continued growth and interest in local food and the people who grow and produce it. After a very successful winter tailgate season, we are looking forward to an exciting new year,” she said.

With a longer season, new vendors and expanded offerings, this year’s market will bring together more than 40 vendors selling a variety of fresh local produce, cheeses, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, fresh flowers and herbs, pasta, prepared foods, farmer-made crafts and more.

New vendors include:

• Ben & Justin Newman – “Growing Kids” blueberries and potatoes
  
• Caroline’s Chocolates – chocolate confections
  
• Laughing Llama Farm – microgreens, dried herbs, cat grass and bird seeds
  
• Peaches & Cream LLC – summer fruits
  
• The Happy Hound Bakery – pet treats
  
• Outdoor Feasts – mobile kitchen featuring ready-to-eat breakfast and lunch

WEEKLY MUSIC ETC.

Each week the market will feature a variety of live music, educational programs, children’s activities and special events including the popular Strawberry Shortcake Day and the 2nd annual Salsa Showdown. Cooking demonstrations by local chefs such as Vera Samuels, Bradley Labarre as well as chefs from Davidson restaurants such as Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse will give shoppers tips for cooking in season and using the freshest products available.

In partnership with the Davidson Lands Conservancy, the World of Wonder will present a series of educational programs aimed at introducing children and their parents to different aspects of the natural world.

Returning farmers and vendors include: All Seasons Farm; 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; Coldwater Creek Farm; Correll Farms; Elliott Apiary; the Elma P. Lomax Incubator Farm; Essential Soap Co.; Farm at Weathers Creek; Gilcrest Natural Farm; Goforth’s Garden; Grateful Growers Farm; Landis Gourmet Mushrooms; The Lavender Garden;; Half Moon Gardens; Henry’s Wholesome Foods; Herr Fresh Flowers; Hippie Kitchen; Houston Produce; KC Farm; Mary Howard’s Home Garden; Millstone Meadows Farm; Mood Indigo Soaps; New Moon Rising Farm; The Inspired Garden; The Pasta Wench; Twin Oaks Farm and Wild Turkey Farms.

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