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Watauga Farmers’ Market Comes Out of Hibernation May 3 for 40th Season; Check Out Photos of the Fun

by Madison V. Fisler

May 5, 2014. On Saturday, May 3, the Watauga County Farmers Market signaled the start of its 40th season with the opening day, and hundreds of excited customers came out to see what their neighbors have been growing.

This is the first time that the Farmers Market has come out of its hibernation in 2014. Last year the market got off to a bit of a rainy start, but even so, customers still came out to support their local farmers. This year, the weather was much warmer and much drier, and even more people came out to see what this year’s market has in store.

Vendors all around the market shared the same sentiment: hopefully this year will have many fewer rainy days and a lot more sunshine!

The smell of Bald Guy Brew coffee and the sounds of The Fat Face Band filled the air as customers filled their baskets, bags and totes with all the freshest produce, flowers, baked goods, meats, dairy, eggs, crafts and more. Children ran with excitement to the Kid’s Corner where they participated in the “green my plate” initiative with the Wheel of Green, a seed planting table, a “color your plate green” activity and a special talk about healthy eating with “the veggie people, Mr. and Mrs. Hearns.

This special day also included a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Andy Ball, a live cooking demonstration with Chef Samuel Ratchford of Vidalia in Boone, raffles and more!

Each Saturday morning during the season, make a trip out to visit your local vendors who offer quality local products in one of the largest and liveliest markets in Western North Carolina. Come and visit from May through November to experience all the sounds, smells and excitement.

Since 1974, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, which takes place each Saturday morning from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May through November, is a High Country favorite that many residents and visitors make a weekly tradition.

If you missed out on opening day, check out all the photos that High Country Press took of the event, and make sure to come to the Watauga County Farmers’ Market at Horn in the West next week!

Photos by Ken Ketchie

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The market has some great deals on the best local produce and plants.
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Delicious meats are also available for purchase
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Customers can even purchase plants to take home and plant themselves
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Baked goods are a popular tradition at the market
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Customers grabbed some delicious apples while they were shopping
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If you’re looking for some spice, customers can purchase hot sauces, salsas and more
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Ceramics are just one of the juried crafts that are available at the market
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Live music played as customers mingled and shopped in the sunshine
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Check out the Wheel of Green in the Kids Corner
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Kids learned about eating green and healthy in the Kids Korner.
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The Kids Corner was overseen by “The Veggie People” Mr. and Mrs. Hearns.
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Customers enjoy fresh coffee and mingle at the first market of the season
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Customers can choose from many plant varieties
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Lots of garden greens are for sale, including a handy salad mix!
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Juried crafts vendors sell their wares
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Local eggs, meats, cheeses and more are available for purchase
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Jams and jellies are just a sampling of all the canned and preserved goods offered at the market
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At the market, customers can purchase plants and take them home to grow themselves
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Fresh crops are for sale at the market
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Guests enjoyed live music as they mingled and shopped
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Market visitors smile at chickens playing in the back of a truck.