Tag Archive for: #vancecountyregionalfarmersmarket

Vance County Regional Farmers Market Opens Sat, Apr 25

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— press release

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will open for the 2020 season on Saturday, April 25th, according to Tracy Madigan, Market Manager. Ms. Madigan reports that she has been carefully reviewing expert recommendations on procedures that minimize risk for customers, vendors and employees. “The Farmers Market is a vital community resource for both consumers and farmers,” noted Madigan, “so we want to set an example of using good practices.” Thus, all customers will be asked to strictly observe social distancing and hygiene practices, and Madigan indicated that signage and floor markings will be in place as reminders.

Paul McKenzie, Horticulture Extension Agent for Vance County, said that Farmers Markets across the state are sharing information about best practices so that they can continue serving as a source of fresh and nutritious food. “Most markets,” he reports, “are providing additional hand washing facilities, doing more frequent cleaning, and spacing vendors further apart. North Carolina producers raise the best farm products you could find, and I’m very glad farmers markets can continue to make it available. In many cases,” he said, “farmers markets have been way ahead of the curve in implementing safety practices.”

Customers of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market are asked to wear face coverings, wash hands frequently, and keep visits short. “We are asking customers to let vendors handle the product and to make pre-orders that can be picked up quickly,” said Madigan. She also asked customers to please visit the Farmers Market website or Facebook page for complete details on the new shopping procedures. “Above all, we want our customers to have access to the fresh and nutritious food that is grown by our local farmers.” The web address for the Vance County Regional Farmers Market is http://go.ncsu.edu/vcrfm. The Market will be open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday hours will start on June 1st. For more information call 252-438-8188 or email farmermarket@vancecounty.org.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board to Meet Feb. 13

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

The first meeting of the year for the Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the Farmers Market (210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC).

Meetings are open to the public and there will be an opportunity for public comment.

For more information, please call (252) 438-8188 or email farmersmarket@vancecounty.org.

No Charge Food Distribution Scheduled for Thurs., Jan. 9

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-Information courtesy Betty Boyd, First Baptist Church

The Second Thursday No Charge Food Distribution will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, off Beckford Drive in Henderson.

Participants remain in their vehicles and volunteers place a box of fresh fruits and vegetables inside the car at no cost to the recipient. No identification is required, and no information is collected.

An area partnership of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, NC Cooperative Extension Office, Vance County Social Services and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, the monthly distribution supplements the food resources of the Vance County community.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

VCRFM 2019 Season Ends This Weekend!

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Saturday, December 7  will be the last day of Vance County Regional Farmers Market’s 2019 season.

Stop by and stock up on a variety of fresh, locally grown produce and products that are still available. Apples, beef, beets, broccoli, butternut squash, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, eggs, fresh herbs, mixed greens, mustard greens, onions, pork, potatoes, red and green tomatoes, turnips, turnip greens, and sweet potatoes are just a few of the tasty foods you will find at the market.

Fill your pantry with baked goods, canned vegetables, chow-chow, sauces, jams, preserves, honey and molasses.

The VCRFM is the perfect place to find a unique, handcrafted gift for most anyone on your list – including yourself!

Peruse the vast array of unique handmade crafts including holiday decorations, knitwear, glassware, pottery, candles, cards, napkins, placemats and table runners, ornaments, accent pillows and neck supporters, soaps, wreaths, woodcrafts, jewelry, original artwork and much more.

Meet and mingle with your friends and neighbors in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere while you shop. Be sure to ask the vendors about their produce and products, and leave knowing you have purchased the freshest foods and most unique crafts our area has to offer.

The VCRFM thanks all who have supported the farmers, ranchers, crafters and bakers throughout the 2019 season and hopes to see you at the market on Saturday!

For information regarding your Vance County Regional Farmers Market, you may contact Tracy Madigan, Market Manager at 252-438-8188 or farmersmarket@vancecounty.org or Paul McKenzie, Vance & Warren County Agricultural Extension Agent at 252-438-8188 or paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Don’t Miss VCRFM’s Annual Handcrafted Holiday Market This Saturday!

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Vance County Regional Farmers Market Manager Tracy Madigan was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the Annual Handcrafted Holiday Market to be held this Saturday, November 16, 2019, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the farmers market.

Madigan invited the public to browse a packed house with 37 vendors offering the following:

  • Fresh fall produce including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, onions, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beets, apples, pears, pecans, butternut squash, turnip greens, mustard greens, tomatoes, bok choy;
  • Pasture-raised beef and pork;
  • Eggs from free-range chickens;
  • Baked Goods: pies, mini-cakes, scones, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and sweetbreads;
  • Canned vegetables, jellies, preserves, relishes, chow-chow, sauces, pickles, honey, black-strap molasses;
  • Lots of unique handcrafted items including crocheted hats, scarves, shawls, gloves, dishcloths, towels, infant/baby wear, soaps, candles & wax melts, sewn pillows, placemats, napkins, aprons, bowls, koozies, bowls, boxes, furniture, cards, artwork, hand-painted ornaments, wreaths, jewelry, hand-painted glasses and stemware, Christmas decorations and much more!

With the farmers market closing for the season on December 7, there are only four more shopping Saturdays in 2019!

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Begins Fall Season

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Manager, Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will begin its fall and winter schedule in October. The Market will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Now is a wonderful time to visit your farmers market. It is that in-between seasons transition from summer to fall produce.

The VCRFM continues to have delicious summer produce including yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, okra, cantaloupes, canary melons, watermelons, peaches, bell peppers, butter beans, string beans and pink-eye purple hull peas. The white potatoes and sweet potatoes are arriving too.

We are also beginning to get in some of the fall goodies such as apples, beets, butternut squash, cayenne peppers, cucumbers, cabbages, eggplants, gourds, grapes, jalapeno peppers, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, pumpkins, radishes, spinach and turnip greens. Expect to see fresh collards at the market early to mid-November.

Don’t forget that your VCRFM is your local source for pasture-raised beef, pork and free-range eggs. We also have a variety of home-canned goods made with locally grown fruits and vegetables including canned tomatoes, beans, chow-chow, pickles and salsa.

You will also find Caribbean Jerk sauce and Brown sauce, as well as a variety of jams and preserves. Stock up on local honey and blackstrap molasses to see you through the winter months.

Check out the variety of sweet and savory baked goods the market offers – chocolate pies, chocolate chip cake, lemon cake, raspberry chocolate cake, turtle, caramel and chocolate brownies, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, hummingbird cake, scones, cupcakes, mini-Brandenburg cakes and so much more!

The holidays are just around the corner. Choose from a plethora of unique handcrafted gifts including soaps, woodcrafts, jewelry, lap quilts, crocheted and hand-sewn items for gifts for everyone on your list – including yourself!

Mark your calendars for our annual Handcrafted Holiday Market, Saturday, November 16, 2019, featuring over 35 vendors. You don’t want to miss it!

Need a space to hold a holiday party, family reunion, business seminar or other social function? Contact the farmers market regarding facility rental availability.

So, remember to visit your VCRFM Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. We accept SNAP/EBT.

For information regarding your Vance County Regional Farmers Market, you may contact Tracy Madigan, Market Manager at 252-438-8188 or farmersmarket@vancecounty.org or Paul McKenzie, Vance & Warren County Agricultural Extension Agent at 252-438-8188 or paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Stock Up for July 4th at Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) invites you to stop by tomorrow and stock up on all of your Fourth of July cookout needs. The market will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3.

According to Tracy Madigan, market manager, a variety of meats including pasture-raised pork, beef, hamburgers, hotdogs and Boston Butt will be available.

Madigan, who was on air for a segment of Tuesday’s Town Talk edition, said fresh, local tomatoes are now available at the market and are always a fan-favorite. “We have Heirloom, Celebrity, Better Boy and other varieties,” said Madigan. “Everyone looks forward to the fresh tomatoes coming in.”

Fresh vegetables, including zucchini, squash, beets, turnips, string beans and corn, will also be available Wednesday.

In addition to the current selection of summer fruits, Madigan announced the arrival of the always popular Ridgeway cantaloupes to the market on Saturday, July 6.

Those that are having weekend cookouts will find an equally impressive selection of meats, produce, sauces and baked goods on Saturday. “If you decide to do your hamburgers on the 4th, well go on and throw a steak on the grill on Saturday,” Madigan said.

The VCRFM is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. SNAP/EBT are welcomed.

The market is located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson, NC.

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan – (252) 598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie – (252) 438-8188

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Set for Business After Hours Event

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business After Hours event on Thursday, June 27, 2019, for Chamber members and their guests.

Hosted by Vance County Economic Development and NC Cooperative Extension, the event will be held from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market – 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson.

There will be great food catered by Next Door Bistro, door prizes and live entertainment by local group The Cabin Pickers, featuring Jimmy Barrier.

To RSVP, please call the HV Chamber of Commerce at (252) 438-8414.

VCRFM Memorial Garden

Reminder: VCRFM’s Memorial Garden Dedication Scheduled for June 12

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

Join the Extension Master Gardener volunteers for a drop-in celebration of the official opening and dedication of the Memorial Garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. This event will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The garden is dedicated to the memory of Master Gardener volunteers who are no longer with us. It features drought-tolerant plants that attract pollinators and other beneficial insects and is also a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

Join the Extension Master Gardener volunteers for a drop-in celebration of the official opening and dedication of the Memorial Garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. This event will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Vance Co. Coop. Extension Photo)

The garden will also provide inspiration to area gardeners for new plants to try in their own landscapes. This beautiful space of peace, beauty and reflection was built entirely through contributions and the dedicated effort of the Master Gardener volunteers of Vance and Warren Counties.

Light refreshments will be served and a short program will take place at 10:30 a.m. The Master Gardener volunteers then invite you to stroll around the garden and visit.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson. For more information, call 252-438-8188 or email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market: Madigan Talks Wed. Hours, Rental Opportunities

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Tracy Madigan, market manager for the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM), was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the kickoff of the market’s Wednesday hours for the 2019 season.

Beginning this Wednesday, May 29, the VCRFM will open on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This is in addition to being open on Saturdays, also from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Wednesday hours will continue through the end of September. VCRFM will return to Saturday-only hours to wrap up the year with its fall season running October through early December.

The addition of Wednesday hours offers customers a mid-week and weekend day to select from a wide variety of fresh local produce, beef, pork, eggs, homemade baked goods and craft items.

While selections are plentiful, Madigan explained that the market is running behind on the normal “hot weather” produce due to a cold and rainy early spring.

“The recent warm, sunny weather has sped things up and it won’t be long before we have the good summer crops,” said Madigan.

Madigan expects tomatoes to be in full supply by the end of June, with cantaloupe and corn to follow in early to mid-July.

Also affected by the weather, this year’s strawberry season was cut short; however, Madigan said she expects that a small supply will be available at the VCRFM through Saturday.

Two vendors whose wares were not affected by the spring weather are beef and egg seller JW Creek Farms and pork seller Faulkner Family Farms.

“JW Creek Farms is my go-to for local, pasture-raised beef, and he’s at the market every Saturday,” Madigan said. “He offers all different cuts of beef including steak and brisket, hot dogs and free range chicken eggs.”

Faulkner Family Farms specializes in pasture-raised pork products, including mild and hot sausage, kielbasa, pork chops and Boston Butts.

According to Madigan, the VCRFM offers an open, friendly environment where, in addition to selling great products, vendors are happy to speak with customers and provide tips on the best way to prepare selected items.

When not in use as the farmers market, the building is available for private rental. According to Madigan, previous rental use has included civic events and meetings, parties, family reunions and more.

Rentals start at $200 for the required minimum of four hours; $50 for each additional hour. A $250 security deposit is required and is refundable after the event if no damage is incurred to the property.

While the classroom and bathrooms inside the building are air-conditioned, Madigan said the large bay area is not, a possible consideration when booking summer events. The building is heated during colder months.

Madigan encourages the public to follow the VCRFM on Facebook or visit the Cooperative Extension website for additional information on rental opportunities as well as upcoming market events and updates.

One such VCRFM event that Madigan was happy to announce is the opening and dedication of the Extension Master Gardener’s Memorial Garden on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The garden is dedicated to the memory of past Master Gardener volunteers and was built entirely through the contributions and efforts of the current Master Gardeners of Vance and Warren counties.

Light refreshments will be served and a short program will begin at 10:30 a.m. Afterward, the Master Gardener volunteers invite you to take a stroll around the garden.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson. For more information, please call (252) 438-8188.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Tracy Madigan in its entirety, click here.