Buying Local at the Henderson County Farmers Market

Do you know where your food comes from? Those who shop at the Henderson County Farmers Market sure do.

But for those who have never attended the Farmers Market, local farmers, consumers, and the Henderson County’s Agriculture Cooperative Extension Office staff say you are truly missing out.

“The value of a local farmers market is that you know your farmer,” says Extension Agent Andy Rideout. “You can stand there and talk to them, and they will tell you they picked (the produce item) that morning or the night before. They’ll tell you when is the last time they’ve sprayed it with pesticides if you ask them. They have no problem telling you because there’s a lot of training they have to go through on how they handle their produce and so forth, and you know you are buying healthy, safe, food at the local farmers market. I’d like to say we know that at the grocery store also but the details are not known.”

Henderson’s local Farmers Market began in the mid-1990’s in downtown Henderson. Many advocates, including the late Sharon Cates and Jeff Porter, believed providing Hendersonians with education on where their food comes from and access to local, fresh food, was imperative to a healthy Henderson.

“My mom (Sharon Cates) was a home economics teacher,” says Farmers Market President Amy Cates. “So, I think she valued eating healthy and tried to get other people to eat healthy, local, and with the seasons… I think she always had that awareness. She knew that having a farmers market more centrally located, instead of driving out to the county to a farm, would get local food into the hands of more consumers.”

While sweet corn, green beans, and other fresh produce continue to be staples of the market, many consumers are unaware of the variety of items available.

For example, did you know you can purchase Japanese maple trees, blueberry plants, herbs, or flower planters with First Fruits Farm?  Or you can buy local wine made by the Boucherie family at Boucherie Winery? Consumers can also get red wattle pork, fresh farm eggs, and broad breasted bronze and white turkeys from Laughing Lab Acres, all processed and packaged in USDA facilities. And don’t forget fresh strawberries and peaches coming from Mattingly’s Kids Berries and Produce!

Produce available at the market each week depends on the season. Those interested in buying cabbage need to frequent the market June through early July, while the best time to get peaches is mid-June through mid-August. Amy says the best way to tell what is available at Henderson’s market is to check the Henderson Farmers Market Facebook page. Throughout the season, local vendors are showcased with a few of the many items available.

While the Farmers Market has been relocated to the Cates-Porter Pavilion at the Henderson County Fairgrounds three days a week from May to October, some farmers can still be found downtown at the Downtown Henderson Partnership’s event in on Thursdays in June and July.

The event, formerly known as the Farm and Art Market now called the Downtown Wind Down, begins Thursday, June 1. DHP Executive Director Abby Dixon says it not only provides a space for local farmers to sell produce but also to showcase local artists, in a festival-like setting.

“The Downtown Wind Down creates a summertime riverfront experience with laid back, live music by regional bands, access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, a showcase of the work of local artists and makers, and of course, family friendly fun,” Abby says.

Many vendors are happy to see the Farmers Market back downtown, even if it is only one day a week.

“I think it’s good because it brings the farmer’s presence downtown again,” says Amy. “I think it’s a positive thing for the community and farmers to have that opportunity. There are also a larger variety of things that are going on… I mean, they offer things for children, they feature local artists, and I think that is really good.”

Patrons can visit the Farmers Market on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in May through October at the Cates-Porter Pavilion at the Henderson County Fairgrounds, 381 Sam Ball Way.

Those interested in fresh produce as well as handmade from local artists can visit DHP’s Downtown Wind Down on Thursdays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in June and July in downtown Henderson.

For the most recent updates on what produce is available each week or to see a daily featured producer, visit Henderson Farmers Market on Facebook.  For more information about the Downtown Wind Down, contact Abby Dixon at 270-827-0016.