Farmers’ Markets Grow With Wide Variety of Goods

Mention to someone you’ve been to the farmers market and they likely will think of summer squash, corn, honey and other items grown and harvested to sell from a pickup truck bed or under a tent.

Discerning shoppers know to arrive early for the best pickin’ so they can visit with friends or head elsewhere. A favorite purveyor of corn may be at the Bailey Cove Farmer’s Market at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, but they need honey from the Madison County Farmers Market on Cook Avenue. And then perhaps a trip is needed to the Madison City Farmers Market at Trinity Baptist Church for duck eggs and wagyu beef.

Fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables may be the first thought about farmer’s markets, but those in Huntsville and Madison offer much more. Visitors can find a range of items from Betty Jo’s slaw dogs and vegan fare from Hippea Camper, custom wood crafts, baked goods, coffee and tea, fresh-cut flowers and more.

Some have been around quite a while. The Madison County Farmers Market began in 1814 in the basement of the Madison County Courthouse. It has been at the Cook Street location since 1984. Other farmers’ markets are newer, still growing, offering different items.

Paul Leopard of Hampton Cove owns South Cumberland Woodworks, which he began about three years ago. He creates kitchen cutting boards and other items from black walnut, black cherry, ash, red and white oak, and red cedar harvested mainly from Madison and Jackson counties. He also dabbles with African padauk and Sapele, and custom commissions.

After not being at events for the last year, Leopard was seeking new ways to show and sell his inventory. His daughter, who has sold at Greene Street Market on Eustis Avenue, suggested he give it a try. Despite a windy thunderstorm that rolled in that evening, Leopard made some sales and attracted positive feedback.

“It was good and I’m sure we’ll be back,” he said. “It was a learning experience. We talked with a lot of people there. I’ve also sold at Lowe Mill and the Greene Street Holiday Market. With the high-end exotic wood and also the classic style boards, there’s interest from different people for each.”

A sign for First Stop above its tent at Greene Street Market directed visitors to tables laden with plants including day lilies, sunflowers and others. The plants are available for whatever donation someone wants to give. The money goes to First Stop, which helps local homeless clients meet basic needs, build esteem and learn or improve skills to resume independent living.

Tim Talley, the gardening and facility manager for First Stop, said the program is handled by homeless members at the facility and at the markets. Plants at First Stop are planted and grown in a greenhouse or outdoors, depending on the plant, and the program has been a success.

“It’s an opportunity for our folks to get involved, and let people know what we do and who we are,” Talley said of attending the markets. “I know what it’s like to be in their shoes because I was homeless for many years.

“I’ve been there.”

Talley operates the gardening program within the First Stop budget, along with supervising the facilities, which include a laundry room, computer room, showers and bathrooms, and dining area. Plastic pots, dirt, seeds and anything else necessary for the garden comes from the budget. As with any program, donations are helpful and welcome. First Stop currently is seeking a box truck to handle items for travel, such as to the markets, and larger goods.

“We’re growing,” Talley said. “We’ve had three strong years and have been improving and growing every year. We’ve even talked with a local chef about growing onions, peppers and tomatoes to create salsa that could be sold. I think it would be great.

“If you’re going to plan and dream, go big.”

For a list of local markets, times, vendors and locations, visit www.huntsville.org/blog/list/post/how-to-eat-fresh-while-visiting-huntsville-farmers-market-rundown/