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By Sue Boggs

Smith Grove

United Methodist Church

Smith Grove Farmers Market had a great opening day on Saturday, May 1.

There were lots of friendships renewed and new ones begun, as people greeted one another, shopped with vendors, and listened to music from Mona Jo and Friends.

We are thankful for the perfect weather God sent us, and the lifting of the requirement of masking in the open air. Everyone seemed so glad to have a chance to finally be outside and in community together.

Ali Mousavi and wife Susan brought frozen chicken and lamb, honey, eggs, dried and fresh herbs, aloe and lambs ear plants.

Teresa Swisher with Crescent Goodies had her delicious baked goods, with pound cakes and cookies, as well as sausage from Foster Farms.

Steele 5 Farms was represented with a hanging baskets, bedding flowers, herb plants and succulents.

Elizabeth Hart of Hart Family Farm was there with her frozen chicken and pork.

The next week, Jennifer and Eddie Collins with Cousin Eddie’s BBQ Sauce and Carolyn Shoaf of Nosey Goat Soap joined.

Craft vendors will rotate throughout the season. This past Saturday featured Kyla Glover of Stepping Stones Pottery, with gorgeous colors of mugs and vessels. Kyla does classes at her home studio and couples nights.

Renee Howell of Renee’s Creations brought her well-made crocheted items, and Linda Trudgeon with Linda’s Crafts came with beautiful and useful embroidered and hand-sewn items. They will be back at the market again in a few weeks.

On May 8, Marmi’s Designs by Dawn Nixon, Flying Fish Pottery by Gay Poteet, and Loretta Boger with Miss B’s Creations were featured.

Thomas Black brought his hotdog cart.

Planning for this market began in January, and in March we were able to apply for a grant from The Conservation Fund, Resourceful Communities, with funding from Duke Endowment. This grant was received in April, allowing us to hire a Market Manager, Susan Athey.

We are able to purchase food from our participating farmers weekly to be distributed to “food desert” areas within the county. The grant will also fund a Two Bites Club with coupons for kids in the Pinebrook BackPack Program who attend the market to buy fresh food from farmers.

For updated information on the Smith Grove Farmers Market, please look for us on Facebook.

For vendor application and rules, go to www.smithgroveumc.org.