Fresh is the theme at local farmers markets
Tapping into residents’ desire for fresh produce, farmers markets have been sprouting in towns stretching from Pearland to Galveston.
Some are small, neighborhood gatherings, while one provides an evening of entertainment complete with wine pairings. The emphasis in all is on neighborly socializing and local vendors.
Alvin’s Depot Market Days, which combines produce with artisan gifts, began in Marchin response to local demand, said Scott Bagwell, recreation specialist for that city’s parks and recreation department.
“We had heard interest in the community,” he said. “Theywanted amarket.”
The event occurs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday monthly at the historic Alvin Train Depot, 200 Depot Centre Blvd.
“Every market has been a success,” Bagwell said. “We always have a steady flow.”
The setting sets the market apart.
“It’s quirky, because a train goes by every 30 minutes,” Bagwell said.
“It’s just a chance to discover new things, meet new people and find out what’s going on in the community,” he said. “And it’s good to know you’re helping local businesses.”
For more information, call 281-585-3359.
La Porte has taken a different spin on the farmers market concept. Instead of early morn- ing shopping for fruit and vegetables over cups of coffee, guests come for an evening of sipping wine, meandering around the town center and picking up produce andmaybe art.
The Sunset Sip and Stroll is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays monthly from September through May at Five Points Plaza, 100 S. Broadway.
For more information, visit www.visitlaportetx.com/sun--
set-sip-stroll.
The Pearland Old Townsite Farmer’s Market started because organizer Cassie Mitchel wanted to create an event to showcase her hometown.
“The whole purpose of the market was to bring business back to the old part of Pearland,” she said. “It’s really a community. Everybody knows everybody. It’s really nice to bring that feeling back to Pearland.”
Mitchel thought part of the key to keeping that country vibe alive was starting a local market.
The market is from 8 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturdays monthly at Zychlinski Park, 2243 Grand Blvd.
Mitchel said everything in the market must be grown or made within 150 miles. Crafts for sale must be old-fashioned and handmade.
“We’re one of the strictest markets,” she said. “It’s a variety of all local stuff — local vegetables, fresh meat, local honey.”
Mitchel plans to add food trucks. For more on the market, visit www. pearlandoldtownsitefarmersmarket.com
The Friendswood Farmer’s Market started in October 2014 and features 35 to 40 vendors.
Organizer Ben Ross said staying small helps the vendors sell more.
“We don’t want an oversaturated market,” he said. “We take pride in making sure our vendors are happy, because without them, we wouldn’t have a market.”
The market occurs from 8 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of every month in Stevenson Park.
The market was a suc- cess from the start, Ross said.
“The first day, everyone sold out,” he said. “The buzz just spread.
“We focus on people who are small entrepreneurs,” he said. “It has to be local. This allows people who have a cottage-food license to create a whole new business. We’ve got all kinds of great products people make at home.” Details: friendswoodmarket.com.
Galveston’s Own Farmers Market opened in 2012.
“People had tried before, but it fizzled out,” market manager Casey McAuliffe said. “A lot of heads huddled together to make it happen. It’s grown in strength and spirit ever since.”
The market is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday at 2508 Post Office St.
McAuliffe said that the market stays small to ensure vendors are as local as possible. She visits each farmer to ensure top quality.
“We’ve always been committed to growing slowly and growing sustainably,” she said. “Our mission is to bring the best stuff to the community. There’s a lot of accountability here. We only want people who are honest and transparent about what they’re doing.”
All the farmers featured at the market follow organic practices.
McAuliffe said the market recently started accepting vouchers for the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program and for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
“We saw so many more people coming,” she said. “It was an immediate transformation once we were able to accept those vouch- ers.”
Bringing fresh food to as many people as possible is the market’s goal, McAuliffe said.
“We see the market as a place where people come together,” she said. “It’s about getting to know the people who live around you.”
McAuliffe said plans are in the works for expanding the market to include a second day each week.
“We’re small, but we’re mighty,” she said.
“I think that we have more fun than any other market.”
Details: galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com.
Other markets are scattered in the Bay Area.
On Saturdays, gourmands can stop at Nas- sau Bay Farmer’s Market, www.ermasnutritioncenter.com, open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Erma’s Nutrition Center and Natural Market, 18045 Upper Bay Road, or visit the Farmers Market at Clear Lake Shores, www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1020 Marina Bay Drive.
Fresh produce is part of the mix at the Market Days of Deer Park, www.deerparktx.gov, hosted by the city from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Saturday monthly at Dow Park Pavilion, 610E. San Augustine.
And there’s the Market in Santa Fe, www.themarketinsantafe.com, held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at 12517 Texas 6.