A New Year & New Opportunities at the Village Farmer’s Market

from FC 2017

by Forsyth Mags

Letter from the Village of Clemmons

A New Year & New Opportunities at the Village Farmers Market

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

For the past few years, the Village Farmers Market has been a popular place for fresh produce and local items. Running Saturday mornings from April to October, the market was an initiative out of the Clemmons Community Compass to support local farmers. Its original home was Tanglewood Park, who was a joint sponsor with the Village of Clemmons. Now, the market is located at the Village Hall in Clemmons. However, their mission has stayed the same: giving citizens a chance to shop in-season produce, while supporting farmers in surrounding counties, including Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Guilford, Davidson, Davie, and Yadkin. Also, people can purchase locally raised meats, homemade dog treats with natural ingredients, baked goods, and much more. Looking into the 2017 plans for the market, locals will see the Village Farmers Market expand, adding more opportunities to an already enjoyable experience.

According to Village of Clemmons’ Planning and Community Development Director, Megan Ledbetter, plans for the upcoming year have already been in the works and, of course, include the traditional festivals, while adding new spins to the market.

“The 2017 plans hold fun Saturday market days and the ice cream festival with our market vendors at Clemmons Elementary. For the fun Saturday market days, local singers and bands can sign up to perform at the market. To participate, they just need to contact me, and we go from there,” said Ledbetter.

The Village Farmers Market hopes to continue adding local vendors and artisans. Once a month, artisans will be featured at the market with their works, including pottery, photography, designer jewelry, and more.

“Along with the juried artisan vendors, we are adding more food trucks to the market. Also, the yoga program and music and local business sponsorships are growing,” said Ledbetter. Those interested in becoming a Village Farmers Market vendor should contact Megan Ledbetter directly at Village Hall.

For the sponsorships, businesses can select a Saturday of their choice to support the Farmers Market. They will receive a table and tent, and can hand out information about their company.

With the new additions, the mission and objectives of the market will stay the same. However, exciting opportunities are coming to the market, adding to the bene t of a local farmers market. The Village Farmers Market is a hidden gem that bene ts everyone in the community. People can taste the real avors of fresh produce, since when food is brought to the market, it is at its freshest and tastiest. You will know exactly where your food is grown and where it comes from since local farmers are the heart of a farmers market. Supporting the market means you are supporting the farmers and their families.

Foods at the market are always seasonal, and different produce is offered at various times throughout the year. Since the Village Farmers Market only runs April through October, customers can expect late spring, summer, and early fall produce, such as blueberries, watermelon, corn, and cucumbers. If you are like me, you are probably already thinking about all the delicious recipes and meal ideas that can be made with the seasonal items.

Lastly, farmers markets offer a chance for family bonding. Held weekly, families can pick and choose what they will make and eat for the week. Also, children can learn about the variety of healthy produce, the growing process, and exactly what goes into their meals. Farmers markets also provide a chance for communities to bond. With different activities and events, citizens from all walks of life will get to know each other, while enjoying a Saturday in their own town.

Become a vendor at the Village Farmer’s Market! Email MLedbetter@clemmons.org for details.