August 15, 2007

Published in Wake Forest, NC

            Also, did you know that John Buettner, who sells specialty plants, tropical plants, flowers and vegetables at the Market, is in charge of the Flower and Garden Display at the North Carolina State Fair? The fair, Market organizer Terri Wilkinson said, needs volunteers to help with that display. Speak to Buettner if you are interested in helping.

            The Market, which is open from 8 a.m. to noon in the gazebo parking lot on South White Street, will again feature an array of locally-grown, largely organic produce. Talk to some of the vendors, and you will find many of them work regular jobs and tend their gardens as a hobby.

            The next big event is Saturday, Aug. 25, the Garlic and the Grill Iron Chef competition featuring Dean Sergent from Cedar Rock Farm and Chef Thom Tomlinson of Signature Foods in a version of the popular cooking competition. The secret ingredient will be the garlic grown by Market vendors.

            The grills and cookers will be fired up early and the samples will be ready about 10:30 a.m. Both chefs will share samples and their recipes.

            It is also time now to sign up for the Chili Cook-Off on Sept. 20 that will benefit the Wake Forest Fire Department.

            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.