Laurel’s Farmers Market exceeds expectations

By Kara Kimbrough, LL-C Correspondent

June 13, 2009 10:26 am

— Laurel’s Farmers Market started its inaugural run Friday afternoon in the sun-scorched parking lot at the corner of Carroll Gartin Boulevard and Magnolia Street with the usual opening day excitement exhibited by a new venture.
But with an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables and more vendors than expected, the large open-air produce stand now known as the Pinebelt Farmers and Artisans Market will be anything but usual, organizers say.
“This is our first year in this location, but one hour into it, we’re already seeing it exceed our expectations,” said Laurel Express executive director Jacqueline Lee. “With any event, you want it to grow and that is our primary goal. We have gotten many calls from both vendors and residents, illustrating this type of market is really needed and welcomed.”
The initial success comes from an eclectic group of local vendors, a different location and a partnership with the successful Hattiesburg Farmer’s Market, Lee says.
Lee said more vendors are expected at the Laurel market as soon as all of the seasonal fruits and vegetables are ripe. Friday’s vendors sold the usual summer fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers and baked goods, plus homemade items like jellies, jams, honey and even authentic Mexican food.
“I’m excited this has opened,” said Dawn Ishee of Stringer. “I didn’t put in a garden this year, so I really wanted to find some locally-grown vegetables.”
Ishee struggled to carry an overflowing bag filled with squash, green and red tomatoes, green peppers, zucchini and corn to her car, stating, “I’m sure I’ll be back to get more as soon as we eat this.”
Downtown businesswoman Becky Shields marveled at the market’s variety, asking vendor Laura Beth Davis, “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting and waiting for something like this. This is absolutely wonderful!”
Davis and her husband Tony operate 20 acres of farmland in Moselle. They brought bushels of corn, potatoes, green beans, peas and an abundance of gigantic sunflowers, a popular seller at the market. Despite having spent the previous day at the Hattiesburg market, Davis said the family is excited about the joint partnership that added Laurel to the lineup.
“We sell at Petal and Hattiesburg and had always wanted to come to Laurel, but there just wasn’t a place to go,” said Davis. “We can already see that this market is going to be great, so we will definitely come back next Friday.”
A line formed early in front of a crowded tent labeled “Aunt Polly’s.” Customers grabbed bags of fresh, plump blueberries as quickly as Richard Arnold could scoop them from a large metal pan. Arnold said he was pleased, but not surprised, with the response from customers who desire to purchase locally-grown produce.
“It just goes to show that people really do want to buy produce at home and keep their money here,” said Davis, who owns a 10-acre farm in the Dixie community. “Our blueberries seem to be the big draw, but we’ve also got plenty of tomatoes, peppers, green beans, zucchini, peas and okra. Just about everything you can get in the stores, you can find here at Aunt Polly’s.”
Lee said the market is a result of a collaborative effort between her organization, officials from the Jones County Extension Service and Chris Cagle, who helped organize the Hattiesburg market. While fresh produce and homemade goods will be the main draw, additional attractions will include live music, art exhibits and other carefully-coordinated events, she said.
“We have a lot of local support and a great group of vendors,” Lee said. “We want this to be a quality event with some specific guidelines. I’m excited about our lineup and the response from customers on the first day. This will be a great summer event for Laurel.”
Lee said the market will be open every Friday from 3-6 p.m. through Sept. 25. The market will continue to operate during periods of light rain, she said.

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