RICHMOND COUNTY- The birds are singing, the air is getting warmer and the delicious, fresh local produce is on the way. The Farmers’s Market is open for business again.
From flowers to eggs and homemade cake to strawberries the Farmer’s Market on the square in downtown Rockingham is open for another season and is already offering a variety of local flavor for Richmond County residents and visitors to enjoy.
According to Laura Greene, Manager of the Richmond County Farmers Market, “This year we will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on the square in Rockingham and on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the health department, then, beginning May 17 we will be open in Hamlet at the park across from the Depot on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.” Greene noted that last season business was down from previous years but that she is anticipating a good year in 2018.
The Derby Farms, which is the former Triple L Farms and still owned and operated by the Lambeth family had lots of vine ripened strawberries for sale Saturday. They sold out at one point and had to bring more from the farm, selling out a second time just as the market was closing. Ashley Buie, said, “We’ve had a good turnout today; we have a lot of strawberries coming off now.” Buie noted, “We’ll start bringing in tomatoes, squash, zucchini and peaches as soon as they are ripe.”
Petal Pusher’s Greenhouse brought an array of beautiful flowers to the square on Saturday. Ina Brooks, who was filling in this week for her daughter, Nora Hudson, noted ”For those who can’t make it to the market, we are open Thursday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the greenhouse located at 372 Lee Thee Church Road.”
Anthony and Shelby Growe, of Growe Farms in Hamlet had tomato plants and fresh eggs for sale. According to the young couple they have been in business about a year. On their farm they raise beef cattle, coastal Bermuda hay, muscadine grapes as well as produce and eggs. They plan to begin bringing produce as soon as it ripens.
Papa’s and Meme’s Baking and Crafts had slices of homemade cake and crafts for sale. Their sign noted that they also accept special orders. In addition to the strawberry wine cake and assorted other cookies and brownies they also had several homemade crafts such as potholders for sale Saturday.
Local produce is always fresh and supporting the Farmers Market is a great way to show our local farmers we appreciate the work they do. Come out and enjoy getting to know some of our local farmers and artisans at one of the market locations soon.
