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.