Union County Sole Commissioner Harold Collins and Farmers Market Manager Dustin “The Rog” Rogers estimate that the opening weekend of the Union County Farmers Market on May 30 saw about 2,000 people come shop for a variety of homegrown produce and handmade crafts.
There were plenty of greens to choose from such as kale and collards, and some vendors had items like “out-of-town” tomatoes and watermelon. And as the season goes on, even more variety is expected to crop up.
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Popular, too, were flowers, and many guests were spotted carrying pots or loading them into their shopping carts. Lauren Burgreen, for example, bragged on the beloved English Country Gardens, from which she purchased some flowers.
Burgreen and her friend, Beverly Bradley, happened to run into each other at the market and were discussing their finds that day and taking the chance to socialize with neighbors.
Honing social skills is a big part of why Paulette Dyer and Rochelle Graham participate with Volunteers for the Handicapped, a nonprofit organization that seeks to support people with developmental disabilities.
Specifically, they seek to give both adults and children a chance to socialize through events like group activities, pizza parties and holiday celebrations. To fund those trips and cover the cost of supplying meals, Volunteers for the Handicapped sells pecans and cashews.
While the organization has set up booths during the Kris Kringle Market, this was their debut as a vendor during the Farmer Market’s summer season. Dyer said that while they don’t plan on becoming a regular seasonal vendor, their popularity that day would ensure they’d probably return to continue raising money.
Food is a large part of the Farmers Market, whether it be fresh produce, packaged nuts or ready-made snacks. Pork rinds were a popular choice, with some folks opening their bags to munch while they browsed, and the Blairsville Restaurant enjoyed a productive day selling breakfast and lunch to hungry visitors.
That said, plenty of guests come for the crafts. Walking sticks, alpaca wool scarves, whimsical silverware windchimes and painted posts topped with solar lights are just some of the items one can find while walking through the buildings or stepping inside tented booths at the market.
Shelly Conlin has been a Farmers Market vendor ever since its beginning in the parking lot of the Union County Courthouse. She sews decorated pillows, “plant pokes” for gardens and pet bowties, as well as posters and greeting cards.
“I am the original crowd,” Conlin joked, but was serious when she said that watching the Farmers Market and her business grow over the years has been “fantastic.” For Conlin, setting up shop at the Farmers Market is about more than just her wares, though.
“I get to see the same people every week and talk to them, just like it’s all a family,” Conlin said. Saturday was a great day for catching up with fellow vendors and buyers thanks to the heavy traffic and the clear skies that prevailed despite the rain forecast. “I can’t wait for next Saturday.”
Jimmy D calls the Farmers Market a “great little place” with “a little bit of everything going on.” He didn’t come for anything specific but had fun browsing. He hopes to return at some point, having made a connection with fellow potters who gave him inspiration for his own work at the wheel.
Overall, both Collins and Rogers believe that this summer’s opening weekend was a huge success.
“They were double-parked across (Butternut Creek),” noted Rogers, who is prepared for a similar number of visitors this coming Saturday.
The Union County Farmers Market is located at 290 Farmers Market Way in Blairsville, open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those with questions or those looking to become a vendor, call 706-439-6043 or email farmersmarket@uniongov.com.
