Page 141 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2020

JACKSON COUNTY
FARMERS MARKET RETURNS
story by April Stennett photo courtesy of the City of Gautier story by April Stennett photo courtesy of the City of Gautier
Gautier’s highly popular Farmers Market has returned for the summer season with a new date and location because of social distancing requirements related to
COVID-19.
The market has moved from George Martin City Park to the
former Singing River Mall property, where vendors and visitors can spread out and enjoy shopping while also social distancing. The schedule also has changed. The market now will be held
on the fourth Thursday of each month through the month of September, rather than on the weekend. It runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The rst farmers market of the season was held June 25, later than the usual May start, but the turnout was heavy.
Vendor tents dotted the parking area and drew in crowds from the busy U.S. 90. Shoppers in face masks sorted through fresh peaches and tomatoes looking for the perfect produce.
“We had an excellent turnout for our rst market of the season,” Gautier Parks and Recreation Director Chassity Bilbo said. “We had a total of 13 vendors and more than 100 shoppers. We hope to grow even more for each market.”
Vendors o ered fresh fruits and vegetables, canned jellies and jams, local honey, baked goods, handmade pottery, plants and fruit trees, beef jerky, woodworking, and more.
The line for homemade ice cream, milk, and other dairy items stretched through the parking lot in the heat of the day as fanning patrons ocked to the Havens Down Home Creamery ice cream truck.
“The Gautier Farmers Market is a great way to break up your day or enjoy a lunch hour,” Bilbo said. “It gets you outside and gives you access to some wonderful fresh foods that you can incorporate into your dinner that night. It also helps our local growers and supports small business.”
Bilbo said the farmers market has grown to become one of
VENDORS OFFER seasonal fruits and vegetables.
FARMERS MARKET features local honey and pottery.
Gautier’s most popular summer events, with hundreds of locals and visitors stopping by for fresh o erings.
“We’ve seen this event grow every year, and we think it will continue to be popular with all of the local o erings available,” she said.
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