Aileen Steelman has a variety of tomatoes for sale at the Yadkin Farmers Market in Yadkinville.
Summer is starting to wind down, but there is still plenty of farm-fresh goodness for sale at the weekly Yadkin Farmers Market in Yadkinville. The market, located at 1141 Tennessee St. in Yadkinville, is open Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 10.
“The selection of produce at Yadkin Farmers Market changes with the seasons. Our farmers grow a variety of vegetables and fruit to fill out the seasons’ choices,” said Hannah Lepsch, Horticulture Agent for Yadkin County Cooperative Extension.
Vendor Aileen Steelman said the market had been busy so far this summer.
“Visiting the farmers market is not just about shopping, it’s about the experience,” Lepsch said. “Unlike at a grocery store, you can get to know the farmers who grow your food. All the farmers I know love to share what they do. Ask them about the varieties they grow, their flavor, cooking tips and production practices (ex. minimal pesticides, certified organic, follow organic guidelines). Farmers are delighted to not only sell you produce, but tell you the story behind it and how it gets to your table.”
“Because of the wet, cool spring this year, many farmers in our area got their crops got in the ground later than normal,” Lepsch added. “This means that some vegetables are just reaching peak production. With temperatures staying consistently below 90 F, we expect a long and late tomato harvest. Some growers made their last planting last week. Expect to find fresh-picked tomatoes at the Yadkin farmers market well into October.
“Become a regular at Yadkin Farmers market this year. It’s an opportunity to buy fresh, locally grown abundance while supporting Yadkin county farmers – an opportunity too good to miss.”
Safety precautions at the farmers market
Organizers for the market said the COVID-19 pandemic has not changed what the market offers, but will include some safety changes to protect vendors and customers.
“The health and safety of our shoppers and vendors is our primary concern,” said Lepsch.
Shoppers at the Yadkin Farmers Market are asked to adhere to the following safety protocols when shopping at the market.
• Maintain a 6-foot distance between you and others at the market.
• Do not come to the market if you are sick.
• Send one person per family to shop.
• Enter and exit the shelter in the marked areas to maintain one-way shopper flow.
• Bring small bills to minimize the handling of cash. Card payments are preferred.
• Do NOT bring your own shopping bag. Vendors will provide new plastic bags.
• Please do not touch produce.
Vendors and farmers will also be using best practices to handle fruits and vegetables. These include:
• Wearing face masks.
• Sanitizing hands before and after transactions.
• Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces periodically.
• Bagging groceries for customers.
•Maintaining social distance from other vendors.
To learn more about becoming a vendor at Yadkin Farmers Market, visit yadkinfarmersmarket.com for the rules and application. For more information please contact N.C. Cooperative Extension, Yadkin County at 336-849-7908.
