July 25, 2007

Published in Wake Forest, NC

            “We will have free watermelon slices, spearmint lemonade, strawberry ice cream and roasted corn and squash,” Terri Wilkinson, a market organizer, said.

            “We will have lots and lots of sweet corn as well as the full bounty of our local harvest.”

            Louis and Shirley Jackson plan to sell their blueberries, but it will probably be the last week.

            This summer tables all over Wake Forest have been graced by the wonderful flowers offered by many vendors, including Homestead Farm.

            You will also find melons, tomatoes of all varieties, tomatillos, snap beans, Asian long beans, fennel, squash, chard, garlic, cucumbers, beets, peppers, eggplant and arugula.

            When you add in the beef, pork, chicken, cheese, eggs, bread, desserts and croutons available, you can buy enough at the market to eat for a week.

            And remember, you know where it was raised or grown and the carbon footprint involved is negligible.

            Local Master Gardeners will also be at a booth to answer questions about gardens and plants.

            While you are at the market remember to register for the next raffle. The proceeds this year benefit the Wake Forest Fire Department.     

            The prizes in the next round of the raffle are $20 in Market Bucks, a coupon from Domino’s Pizza in downtown Wake Forest, and a cut glass candy dish with lid from the Red Door on South White Street.

            The market vendors are also looking forward to an even bigger Chili Cook Off this year with the proceeds to go to Wake Forest Fire Department Station #2. Bill Wandrack from that station had the winning fire department chili last year. Details and entry forms will soon be available on the market web site (see below) or at the market.

            This Saturday, look for these vendors who are happy to share their wares and goods:

• Mapleville Fruit and Berry Farm: jellies, jams and stained-glass art.

• Cedar Rock Farms: shitakes, vegetables, eggs, chickens and pheasants.

• Blessed Be Soaps: aromatherapy soaps, candles, lotions and more.

• The Flour Garden: breads, pies, pastries from organic locally milled flours and grains.

• Whetstone Homegrown Farm: specialty plants and trees, vegetables and fruits

• Homestead Farms: fresh cut flowers.

• Greenhill Farm: spring vegetables, baked goods and farm crafts.

• Chef Thom: specialty sauces and The Perfect Butt.

• Flying Pig Farm: fresh cut flowers, several varieties of garlic, garlic butters and spreads.

• Betty’s Bloomers: heirloom vegetables, plants and flowers

• Triple B Farm: pasture-raised pork, beef, poultry and eggs.

• Redman Pottery: beautiful locally made pottery.

• Robin’s Nest: home, garden and lawn sculptures.

• Sleepy Goat Farm, artisan goat cheese (chèvre and hard cheeses).

• Rocky Ridge Farm: vegetables, berries, grapes and more.

• Wild Onion Farm: vegetables, eggs and more

• John Buettner: specialty plants, tropical plants, flowers and vegetables.

• Jeffrey’s Strawberry Patch.

• Blueberry Hill: fresh blueberries and vegetables

• Capritopia Farm: vegetables

• Lovejoy Pottery: beautiful handmade pottery.

• Melvin’s Gardens: herbs and plants

• McCallisters: gourd art, herbs, garden-related gifts and artwork.

• Meadowbright Farm: vegetables, eggs, flowers and more, catnip cat toys

• Powell Roper and Victoria Pender: heirloom tomatoes and many more vegetables.

• William Lord: honey.

• Dan Page and children: sweet corn and vegetables.

            To find out more, go to http://www.wakeforestmarket.org.