Farmer's Market to open

The Alleghany County Farmer's Market is planning to open for the third consecutive season on May 12. The market is typically open from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays in the parking lot of Farmer's Hardware on Main Street in Sparta. The weekly event is sponsored by the Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Director Bob Choate said the market will charge a $5 set up fee per week for anyone using it. The fee will be used to cover the cost of insurance at the market.

The market will follow the same format as year's past, but Choate said some changes may be in the works.

"One of the things we are going to try to go after to make it a little different is local crafts people," Choate said. "We are looking for people making soap, pottery, handmade candles and other crafts."

He said featuring the crafts at this time of year will help make up for a shortage of vegetables this early in the season.

"We're just going to try to make this best of it early," Choate commented. "We're starting a little earlier than we did last year."

The reason for the early start? Choate said the opening date is patterned after other farmer's markets, such as the one in Boone. Vegetables and other items available now may include lettuce, spinach, free-range eggs, hand-rolled candles, vinegar, honey and homemade baked goods.

The market typically has around six vendors per week, but Choate said more are always welcome to attend. "We're just getting the word out," he said.

Larry Cox was recently elected president of the market, Choate said. To set up at the farmer's market, Choate said vendors are welcome to just show up. For more information, call the chamber at 372-5597.
 
 

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