Tag Archive for: #vancecountyregionalfarmersmarket

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market to Open Season With Spring Fling

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Mark your calendar. The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is gearing up for a new season of fresh local produce and crafts. The market opens Saturday, April 27, 2019, with our Produce, Plants & Crafts Spring Fling from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Spring Fling Market will feature numerous craft vendors, bedding plants for the garden including vegetables, herbs and flowers as well as locally grown spring produce.

There will also be baked goods, estate wine, canned goods, pasture-raised beef, pork, eggs and honey for sale.

We have a fabulous lineup of vendors at this year’s Spring Fling including many of our “old faithfuls” and a number of new vendors. Here’s a list of what you will find at the Spring Fling:

Adcock’s Farm: Seasonal produce, canned goods, honey

Backroad Farm & Vineyard: Seasonal produce, estate wine, plants, loofahs, gourds

Barn Wood Furniture by Maul-N-Wedge: Furniture & crafts made from reclaimed barn wood

BL Creations: Hand sewn bibs, towels, pot holders, potato pouches, bowl coozies, pillows, aprons, towel sets and more

Cakes Delish: Cupcakes, cookies, artisan molded marshmallows

Colorful Creations: Embroidery items, clothing, home decor, stained glass and more

The Cotton Boll: Crocheted & knitted baby items, decorative wood plaques, luminaries, pillows, decorative lighted glass blocks and more

Creative Gifts for Missions: Slumped wine bottles, lighted wine bottles, cheese spreaders, memory pillows, painted porcelain items, wood crafts and more

Culver Products & Services: Handmade woodcraft boxes and cabinets

Dixon & Sons Farms: Seasonal Produce featuring spring strawberries, pasture raised pork, hemp products, bedding plants

The Eclectic Peacock: Crocheted & sewn home goods, bowl coozies, soaps, throw pillow covers, napkins, table runners, hand painted glassware, bath bombs and more

Faulkner Family Farms: Pork products, produce and cut flowers

Hand Made by Jackie: Crocheted clothing items, washcloths, birdhouses and more

Imperial Stitching: Table mats, kitchen mats, lanyards, table runners, burp cloths and more

Jerri’s Things: Crocheted & knitted handmade items including vests, scarves, hats, jewelry, baby sweater sets, shawls and more

Junk Drawer Designs: Sandblasted glassware, handpainted signs, custom decals, fairy gardens, shadowboxes, cups, mugs, clothing items and onesies

JW Creek Farms: Pasture-raised beef, eggs and bag holders

Laureen’s Creations: Wreaths, bows and floral arrangements

O’Reilly’s Sauces: Caribbean jerk sauce, brown sauce, honey and blackstrap molasses

Pretty Tough Stuff: Jewelry, sewn items, rock art, cut flowers, wood crafts, crocheted items, photo art, produce, eggs, home decor including pillows, suncatchers, flags and more

Professional Art by Janet Lumpkin Winebarger: Pet portraits, jewelry sets, paintings and more

Ruthie Loves Ronnie: Jewelry, decorated item and cheeseboards

Sachs Woodcrafts, LLC: Hand-turned wood items, bowls, cutting boards, breadboards, knives, pens, wine bottle stoppers, salt & pepper mills, duck calls, rings and more

Short’s Farm: produce and cut flowers

Silent Josh Woodworking/Rustic Vibes: Exotic wooden jewelry, cutting boards, candle holders, coasters, beard balm, oil and combs

Stone Bridge Farms, LLC: Produce

Threads Connected Plus Paper: Purses, wallets, cardholders, cord wraps, greeting cards, bookmarks, memo stations and more

Woodwick Designs: Handmade soy wax scented candles and melts

Yummy Little Cakes: Baked items including cupcakes, scones, muffins, bundlettes, cakelettes, cinnamon rolls, mini Victoria sponge cakes and more

2019 VCRFM Schedule:

May 4 – 25: The Farmers Market will be open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

May 29 – September 30: The Farmers Market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

October 1 – December 7: The Farmers Market will be open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Special Events: Our Master Gardeners return to the market providing gardening advice on Saturdays throughout the season. They will also be hosting the dedication of the Master Gardeners’ Memorial Garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market in May.

Stay tuned for additional dates & times of special events!

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

Vance County Regional Farmers Market – 210 Southpark Dr. Henderson, NC

**If you or your business need a venue for your dinners and parties, the VCRFM is available for rent! Contact our Market Manager**

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

VCRFM to Hold ‘Pesticide Disposal Day’ for Unneeded, Old Chemicals

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties, NC Cooperative Extension

Do you have lawn, garden or farm chemicals you no longer need? Do you have products more than three years old? Protect your family, your pets and the environment by bringing unneeded chemicals to our pesticide disposal day.

This event will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market – 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC.

We will accept all pesticide products, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. in original, labeled containers. Both liquids and solids (e.g. granules, powders) are acceptable. For large containers (e.g. 5 gallons or more) or large quantities, please call in advance.

We CANNOT accept fertilizer, paint, solvents, gasoline, household cleaners, or other household hazardous waste.

This service is offered at no charge in cooperation with the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. For more information, e-mail paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or call (252) 438-8188.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

More Food Trucks on the Way for Farmers Market

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The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will be opening on Saturday, April 27 for the season, according to market manager Tracy Madigan.

Following a decision made by the Vance County Board of Commissioners at their Monday night meeting, there will be a greater presence of food trucks at the market this year.

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen told WIZS News, “The popularity of food trucks is undeniable. They are beginning to gain notoriety in this area as they’ve already done in the triangle, and ultimately they can serve as a good way of drawing people to the market who may have never visited.”

“Specifically, at the farmers market, they have experimented with a food truck already and it has added an exciting and different dimension to the market. As individuals become familiar with the local food trucks this should improve the overall attendance at the market and introduce new patrons to the market. We see food trucks as a compliment to the market and believe it may also open up opportunities to push products from the farm to the table, complimenting the existing vendors as well.”

Food trucks, in general, have been in the news in our area in recent months, specifically when Gavin’s Grub Hub, owned and operated by Gavin Jackson, was looking for a semi-permanent location and wound up receiving a six-month approval from the City of Henderson to operate. We’ve also seen Backyard BBQ, which typically locates in the old Armory parking lot on Dabney Drive.

These additional approvals may indicate that our local leaders are getting more comfortable with food trucks and keeping in tune with what consumers have been enjoying for at least a decade or more in other larger urban areas.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market to Reopen in Late April, New Vendors Welcome

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Paul McKenzie, agricultural extension agent for Vance and Warren County Cooperative Extension, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the opening of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market in late April.

According to McKenzie, the VCRFM, located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, will kick off the season by opening on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional Wednesday hours will be added in late May.

McKenzie said this standard opening date coincides with the time “produce starts coming in and folks are getting the bug for spring planting.”

Early in the growing season, McKenzie said fresh produce – greens, peas, potatoes and onions – as well as flowering plants are plentiful.

In addition to produce and plants, the market includes vendors selling handmade, high-quality crafts, homemade baked goods, and locally produced pork, sausage and beef.

Locally produced fresh eggs are also a fan-favorite. “There’s just a difference in the taste and in the texture,” said McKenzie. “It’s hard to turn back once you’ve gone the fresh eggs route.”

When visitors first come to the market, they should expect to be greeted by Tracy Madigan, manager for the VCRFM. “When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by our friendly and outgoing market manager,” McKenzie said. “Tracy will greet you with a smile and help you find the products that you are looking for.”

McKenzie said this friendliness extends to the rest of the market experience as people interact with each other and build a sense of community.

“Our customers enjoy speaking to the vendors and getting to know the farmers. There’s a saying ‘know your farmer, know your food.’”

The freshness of the food sold at the market can’t be beaten, according to McKenzie. “You’re getting something that was picked the previous afternoon and brought to you as fresh as possible. You can find quality products at the grocery store, but it’s probably been on a truck for a couple of days, and potentially much longer. You can’t beat the freshness, and freshness equals flavor.”

Supporting local people and the local economy is also a benefit of shopping at the market. “When you buy here, you are supporting mom-and-pop enterprises, you are supporting someone who is trying to add something to the local community,” said McKenzie.

The VCRFM is currently accepting new vendors. Types of acceptable products include local handmade crafts, produce, plants, farm products and homemade baked goods with proper certification.

The market offers vendors electricity, convenient outlets and ceiling fans inside a comfortable, covered environment.

There is an application process and a $30 application fee for interested vendors. Each day the vendor participates in the market also requires a $10 fee.

For more information about the VCRFM, please contact either Tracy Madigan at tmadigan@vancecounty.org or (252) 598-0814 or Paul McKenzie at paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or (252) 438-8188. You may also check out the VCRFM’s Facebook page by clicking here.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Paul McKenzie in its entirety, please click here.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Announces 2019 Advisory Board Meeting Dates

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties, NC Cooperative Extension

The Advisory Board for the Vance County Regional Farmers Market was established in early 2014 for the purpose of making recommendations for the operation, promotion, support and growth of the Market. The Board generally has four meetings each year, all of which are open to the public. The Board is always glad to receive comments from the public.

This year (2019), the Board will meet on the following dates: March 14, May 2, August 1 and November 7. Each of these meetings will convene at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market at 2 p.m. The address is 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC

For more information, please contact either of the following: Tracy Madigan, Market Manager (tmadigan@vancecounty.org or 252-598-0814) or Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent (paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or 252-438-8188).

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market to Hold 2019 Vendor Meeting

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

In a few short weeks, spring will be here and the Vance County Regional Farmers Market will once again open for business. Anyone who is interested in becoming a vendor for the 2019 season is invited to our annual Vendor Meeting on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at 5:30 pm.

The meeting will take place at the Farmers Market, which is located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson. A light dinner will be served.

Topics for discussion include a review of the guidelines and application, input on the opening date, procedures review and more.

For more information, please contact the Market Manager, Tracy Madigan, at tmadigan@vancecounty.org or 252-598-0814.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Madigan, Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Manager, Reflects on 2018 Season

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With only three Saturdays remaining before the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) wraps its 2018 season, Market Manager Tracy Madigan urges customers to stock up on fall produce – such as sweet potatoes, collards and greens – while they still can.

The market will close after 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 8th and will remain closed until mid-April of 2019. Rental of the VCRFM is available all year long and is particularly popular during the holiday season.

According to Madigan, it has been a great year for vendors and produce variety. “We had a really good year as far as increasing the number of vendors,” said Madigan. “That has provided more variety and greater quantities of produce.”

In addition to produce, Madigan said the number of regular craft vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to candles has increased, along with the offering of baked goods.

Madigan reported that the customer count has remained steady at 9,000 – 10,000 visitors despite a surge in numbers during the peak summer season. This year’s pattern of inclement weather, especially during the spring and fall months, may have contributed to the customer stagnation.

“It has been a really strange year for the farmers weather-wise as well, but they have still come through with a lot of good produce and variety,” Madigan said.

Another draw to the market this season includes recent landscaping improvements courtesy the Cooperative Extension-based Master Gardeners.

“The Master Gardeners came into a grassy area around the market that previously flooded all of the time and made walkways and benches. Now it’s a nice area to enjoy and get some ideas of plants and flowers for your own yard,” said Madigan.

The addition of Gavin’s Grub Hub, a food truck operated by owner Gavin Jackson, is also bringing visitors in. “Gavin is a huge draw,” Madigan said. “Anytime we advertise that he’s coming, people show up to get their breakfast, brunch or lunch and are always pleased. He has also catered several events for the market.”

Of course, the best feedback comes directly from the mouths of visitors. “We get feedback all of the time from people who say they enjoy it and have made friends. It’s a relaxed, fun and local environment. I truly appreciate the patronage and support from the community,” Madigan said.

Madigan is pleased with the progress VCRFM has made over the years and said she can see its reach extending. “It is a regional market. The first two or three years it was mostly Vance and Granville county patrons; we are getting more visitors from Warren and Franklin now.”

In the future, Madigan would love to see VCRFM become a full-time operation. “I wish we could get someone full-time and get enough customers to run it six or seven days a week. That would really make it an alternative to fast food and grocery stores.”

For additional information on renting the VCRFM for your next event, please contact the Vance County Cooperative Extension Center at (252) 438-8188.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

This Weekend is Your Last Chance to Shop VCRFM Before Thanksgiving!

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

This Saturday’s market will be your last opportunity to purchase locally grown fresh produce to enhance your Thanksgiving feast! Saturday is also our annual Handcrafted Holiday Market, so you will find lots of unique gifts, decorations and goodies for the holidays as well!

Our local farmers will have a variety of fall produce including apples, beef, beets, butter beans, butternut squash, cabbage, collards, eggs, eggplant, fresh herbs, mixed greens, mustard greens, onions, pork, potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, turnip greens, and sweet potatoes.

You will also find baked goods, local wines, canned vegetables, chow-chow, sauces, jams, preserves, honey and molasses.

Don’t forget to add a couple of bottles of wine to your shopping list to enjoy with your turkey and fixings or as gifts for special friends!

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 Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. off of Beckford Dr. and is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. through December 8, 2018.

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

**VCRFM accepts and welcomes SNAP/EBT**

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Don’t Miss VCRFM’s Handcrafted Holiday Market – Sat. Nov. 17

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market Handcrafted Holiday Market will be held Saturday, November 17, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The annual event will feature some of the area’s best craftsmen, artists, bakers and farmers.In addition to fantastic fresh fall produce, meats, eggs, local honey, jams, jellies, sauces, baked goods and plants, there will be 25 craft vendors with one-of-a-kind handmade items. Find the perfect gift for that special someone, or even yourself! Peruse the vast array of unique handmade crafts including knitwear, glassware, pottery, candles, soaps, wines, wreaths, woodcrafts, jewelry, original artwork and much more.

Grab breakfast, brunch or lunch during your visit at Gavin’s Grub Hub. Chef Gavin Jackson will be serving a number of delicious meal choices to suit any palate.

Check out the array of delectable desserts entered in The Daily Dispatch’s Taste of Tri-County Dessert Contest. Entries will be on display in the farmers market classroom. The judging will be from noon to 1:00 p.m.

The fall produce season is in full swing with a variety of fresh, locally grown produce available. Apples, beef, beets, butter beans, butternut squash, cabbage, collards, eggs, eggplant, fresh herbs, mixed greens, mustard greens, onions, pork, potatoes, 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, local wines, canned vegetables, chow-chow, sauces, jams and preserves, honey and molasses.

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 Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. off of Beckford Dr. and is open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through December 8, 2018.

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

Go With the ‘Flo’ – Vance Co. Farmers Market Will be Open This Sat.

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Looks like we may have dodged the wrath of Florence. Based on the forecasts for our area, it appears it will be safe for us to open this Saturday. Hopefully, our power will be on and we will be operating BAS – Business As Usual. (Check our FaceBook page Saturday morning to be sure). This means it will be the perfect opportunity for you to get out and shop for fresh local produce, meats, eggs and unique crafts. (By Saturday morning you will probably be going stir-crazy cooped up inside, so come on out and visit with us awhile.). Though it may be a bit windy and rainy, remember, our farmers market is enclosed so you will stay dry and comfortable while you shop. See you at the VCRFM on Saturday!

What You Will Find at the Market This Week

Apples, beets, butter beans, collards, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, grapes, green beans, herbs, kale, lettuce, mixed greens, mustard greens, okra, onions, peaches, peppers, pork, potatoes, peas (crowder and purple hull), squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes (green, red and heirloom), turnips, & zucchini. You may even find watermelon!

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, BBQ sauces, jellies, jams, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, jewelry, cupcakes and unique handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – September 15

Adcock Farm 
Donation Station
Eclectic Peacock
Jerri’s Things
JW Creek Farms
LouMag Ent.
Pretty Tough Stuff
Short’s Family Farms
Vann’s Jams & Produce
Winter Soap Co.
Woodwick Designs
and perhaps a few more 
Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

VCRFM open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 210 South Park Dr., Henderson

VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Annette Roberson, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 252-438-8188 for pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)