Buchanan Farmers’ Market returns starting May 4

Published 7:50 am Friday, April 12, 2019

BUCHANAN — Farm fresh vegetables, warm bread, jewelry and a host of handcrafted merchandise and art will await residents at this year’s Buchanan Farmer’s Market.

The outdoor market will return for its 14th season, starting May 4 in the Buchanan Common area. The market will be open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 12.

Beth Chubb, market chair, said the annual vending opportunity offers a space for farmers, entrepreneurs and nonprofits to get the word out about what they do.

“We have quite a few produce people,” Chubb said. “We start early because we will get the early crops. One of the vendors does cold-crop vegetables like kale and lettuce will be coming out.”

The market typically has between 20 to 25 vendors. Also, those who stop by can enjoy breakfast or a barbecue lunch, cooked up by chef Steve Gargis for his business Wood, Stock and Grill. 

Chubb has helped to organize the market for 12 years. In that time, she said she has seen the market experience a lot of growth. Initially, she said the market had exclusively been for farmers to sell produce. When the board opened it up to multiple vendors, Chubb said the market drew an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs and customers alike.

Customer favorites, such as Bread Smith, a fresh bread vendor, will return to sell products.

“It’s something people look forward to,” Chubb said.

Several nonprofits utilize the farmers’ market to raise money for charitable causes, including the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“Any group that is interested in having a bake sale and wants to make a little bit of money, [will be] welcome to use that booth,” Chubb said.

She noted that only one nonprofit a week could use the booth, so as not to put two charitable causes in competition.

Through the market, Chubb said a lot of entrepreneurs have been able to connect with customers — including some of the community’s youngest members.

“It’s a good way to start a business and see if there is any interest in what they are making,” Chubb said. “We’ve had kids that have come down and set up businesses. In any age group, anyone who wants to sell stuff is welcome.”

For customers, there is the benefit of discovering fresh produce, bread, and baked goods and plenty of ideas for gift-giving, Chubb said.

Those interested in being a vendor can find the forms and cost details to sign up to participate by visiting buchananfarmersmarket.com.

Chubb said she would encourage people to visit the market and see all that it has to offer.

“It’s a good social [event],” Chubb said. “People share recipes and meet people that maybe they went to school with or haven’t seen for a long time.”