Shallotte Farmers Market season starts Saturday

SHALLOTTE—Fresh fruits and vegetables are on their way to market in Shallotte.

With warmer weather and the arrival of spring, flowers are blooming and it’s time to re-open Buddy Kelly’s Farmers Market in Shallotte.

The first day of the 2012 season will be 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 28. Organizers are ready to open the market for its sixth season and hope to draw in larger crowds and more vendors than ever before.

“We are looking for new vendors,” said Loretta Nauta with the Shallotte enhancement and events committee.

“We hope to have more people with more produce,” said Walt Eccard, alderman. “The produce sells very quickly. It has to be grown within a 100-mile radius of Shallotte.”

According to Eccard and Nauta, historically the farmers market has drawn a variety of vendors from crafts to produce. In past years there have been produce vendors as well as jewelry makers, artists, metal workers, sewers, potters, bakers and more.

“The market averages a couple of hundred people each week,” Eccard said.

The farmer’s market season begins April 28 and runs through September. The market is open every Saturday at 8 a.m. weather permitting.

Visitors can find a variety of fresh local produce and handmade arts and crafts. Typically there are fresh tomatoes, greens, peppers, corn, potatoes, fresh eggs, plants, herbs, jams jellies, honey and more. Strawberries are a popular item when they are in season.

As a special treat to visitors, often the sounds of bluegrass music fill the air.

April 28 is free to all vendors. Registration fees are being waived. Pre-registration is required. Registration forms are available online at the town’s website at www.townofshallotte.org. Applications may also be obtained by calling town hall at 754-4032.

A season pass for vending is $100 and includes every Saturday the market is open from late April through September. Additional vending options are available for $35 and $10.

This year there is a new landmark in Shallotte to mark the location of the market.

“Look for Bessie the cow,” Nauta said. “She will be at the intersection when the market is open.”

The Shallotte farmers market is at Riverside Park at the corner of Main Street and N.C. 130 behind the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce building.

Free concerts and movies

Also mark your calendars for the upcoming summer movie and concert series at Rourk Gardens in Shallotte. The kick-off event is on May 28 with a Memorial Day service followed by the music of the Band of Oz. The celebration starts at 6 p.m. with music at 7 p.m.

“The series really provides an entertainment opportunity for families with small children. It is an outreach in the community,” Eccard said.

For a complete listing of concerts and movies visit the town’s website and look for it in upcoming editions of the Beacon.

Rachel Johnsonis a staff writer at The Brunswick Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or rjohnson@brunswickbeacon.com.