While some farmers were unsure of just how much to bring, by 10:00 a.m., just 3 hours after opening, most of the vegetables at Saturday’s Farmer’s Market had vanished.
‘I can’t believe how fast it sold out. I was afraid to bring too much. I’ll be back with more next week,? said Fred Smith, of Hadley, who brought acorn squash, cucumbers, zucchini, egg plant and other produce.
Chris Hardman, of the Farmers? Market, said there were 24 total vending booths and approximately 1,227 people came to shop.
Lynne Millies, who helped launch the market, was thrilled with the success, but wanted those shoppers who arrived later in the morning to realize there was a large selection.
‘It’s more than we expected. The Union is coming down to buy the excess food, but I don’t think there will be any. Next week the farmers will bring more,? she said.
Millies also promised an expanded ‘dog-babysitting? area for customers who bring their dogs. Due to health regulations, pets are not allowed in the vending area.
The market had much more to offer than simply produce, however. Among the booths were crafts such as clothes made from alpaca fiber, bookplace markers and totally organic lawn fertilizer.
‘This was a great idea,? said Nancy Lopez of Woodcreek Farm in Davisburg. ‘You get a lot of foot traffic through here.?
Lopez’s booth drew attention from both children and adults alike. Lopez sold alpaca fiber products from her farm which has 41 alpacas located in Rose Township. (An alpaca is a domesticated South American llama.) Lopez spun alpaca fibers as onlookers stopped to touch the farm mascot, Woody, made from a real alpaca pelt.
The opening market offered facepainting for children and music by Mike Bonne.
The Clarkston Farmers? Market continues every Saturday from now until October 29 (excluding September 17) from 7 a.m.’noon across from Depot Park.