Garden season is just around the corner! The Williamson Farmer’s Market helped growers get a jump start on growing season with their annual Seedy Saturday event on March 2nd. The day offered fifteen different vendors for those wanting to shop. Workshops and a special speaker presented helpful information on best practices for growers. Also, it was a great day to get out with friends and families to support local growers and crafters!
What Was It About?
“I thought the day went well! Our vendors made a lot of sales, everyone seemed happy, and workshops were well attended. We are already looking towards next year and we know it will be even bigger and better,” said Maria Arnot, Director of Community Agriculture for the Williamson Farmer’s Market.
It was a great way for the community to start thinking about growing season and what they will need to get started. A designated area was available for seed swapping. Vendors were set up with a wide variety of seeds and starter plants for those ready to start planting.
Special workshops were presented throughout the day to provide more information on seed saving, organic gardening, permaculture, and composting. Special Speaker Evan Nelson, from the Robert C. Byrd Institute, discussed lean agriculture practices.
If you don’t have a green thumb, this event gave folks the chance to pick up fresh veggies and meats, handcrafted items, and more! Several of the Williamson Farmer’s Market regular vendors were set up to give everyone a chance to stock up until the regular market season opens.
Who Was There?
Donna Romans, of Romans Family Farms, was set up with her canned goods, freshly baked loaves of bread, and delicious homemade fudge. Powell Family Farms had a sell-out day with their fresh meats. Refresh Appalachia and the Williamson Farmers Market crew offered market merchandise, fresh greens, apples, and other produce.
David Walker, of Walker Family Farms, was selling his famous apple butter and maple syrup.
“I enjoy doing as many events in Williamson as I can. I always make time for them when possible. I have a good following of customers that come out anytime I set up in Williamson and I always meet new customers,” said Walker.
If you weren’t there for food (is that possible?) some of the other vendors set up included Penni Adams with doTERRA Essential Oils to discuss the wellness benefits of oils, West Virginia State University offered educational information, and the Wildwood Garden Club was raising funds for their community projects by selling gardening merchandise.
Debby and Lonnie Bowen, Williamson Farmer’s Market regulars since 2014 brought their products to Seedy Saturday. Lonnie is known for his amazing handcrafted wood products, such as bowls, cutting boards, wine bottle stoppers and more. Debby offers beautiful quilts, aprons, and more. They also have canned produce, jams, and jellies. During growing season, they operate the Chattaroy Tomato Company with a wide variety of unique greens and more. This couple is more than market vendors. They are believers in the value of the farmer’s market and what it means to our community.
Why Is It Important?
“The Williamson Farmer’s Market is a very important part of our community’s health and wellness. Many people who come to the market are introduced to food items they have never tried. Often, while talking with them, Lonnie gives them something they have never tried, we discuss recipes with them and ways to prepare the food. Many have come back to let us know how much they liked it and purchase more. Then, they share the foods and ideas with the families and friends,” says Debby
Debby continued to say the Williamson Farmer’s Market has brought our community together. With a central location in downtown Williamson, it is easy for residents of the Tug Valley area to access and it has become a vital part of the community.
During regular market season, the market opens every Saturday. Special activities and events for the entire family to enjoy are part of the day. Whether its live music from local groups like the Black Coal Brass Band, live cooking demonstrations or fear factor eating contests, the market is a fun place to be! People enjoy shopping for their fresh goods while talking with friends in the open-air. The Williamson Farmer’s Market is a Saturday must!
What’s Next?
Opening day for the Williamson Farmer’s Market is May 25, 2019. You can stay up to date with happenings and market information by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Come out to support your local growers and crafters! We’ll see you at the market!
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