By Linda Burchette

Assistant Editor

It was a cold, drizzly atmosphere for opening day of the Ashe County Farmers Market on Saturday, but that didn’t stop the customers from coming out to see what was available early in the season.

Not much produce yet, but plenty of handmade items, including cheese, lotion and soap from goat’s milk, snuggly warm scarves, jewelry and walking sticks, along with homegrown apple trees, bushes, trees and other nursery plants. There was also a taste of homemade baked beans complete with recipe, fresh loaves of bread, and organically homegrown potatoes.

Last year was considered a success for the market. A number of potential vendors attended the March Expo to showcase the products they wish to sell. The market annually offers fresh seasonal produce, a wide variety of nursery items, locally raised meats, artisan cheeses, homemade breads and pastries, honey, molasses, jams, jellies, culinary vinegars as well as fine, locally made arts and crafts. Throughout the year, visitors will find local musicians playing at the market as well as area chefs cooking up tasty tidbits of locally grown and raised food.

This Saturday, April 18, will be a special event at the market with a planned celebration of Earth Day. Children will be invited to create art from recycled objects. Other highlights this year include: Fiber Arts Day on May 9; Father’s Day Grilling Event on June 20; Cooking Demonstration on July 11; Blueberry Pie Contest on July 25; Quilt Day on Aug. 8; Celebrate the Tomato Day on Aug. 22; Berry Pie Contest on Sept. 5; Country Fair & Apple Pie Contest on Sept. 26; and Pumpkin Day on Oct. 10. Holiday Markets are normally held in November and December to help with gift giving ideas.

The Ashe County Farmers’ Market is located on the Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson and is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. through Oct. 31. The Wednesday market will open on July 8 through Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. All items sold at the market must be homegrown or handmade in Ashe County.

For more information, please contact Market Manager John Smyre at 877-4141 or (910) 309-1932.