Downtown gets fresh with Saturday market offerings

From 7 a. m. to noon Saturday, shoppers can “get fresh” by choosing local produce and home- canned foods at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market, 121 Orange St.

This weekend, Dwight Harper of Harper Farms will join the scene. A lifetime farmer, his land in Jessieville grows a bountiful variety of produce, including the winner of “Best Tomato” one year with a Cherokee purple selection. Now in season on his farm are fresh crowder and purple hull peas, cantaloupe, okra, cucumbers, and three varieties of squash. He also offers canned goods, including pickled Cajun bell peppers, habanero strawberry jam, pickles, and pepper jelly, all made with care by his wife.

Also joining the market will be Marci Brandow, who has a rainbow of choices at her Macgypsy’s Creations. A retired nurse, Brandow has been making salves with doTERRA essential oils for 25 years. She offers natural insect repellent that has a pleasing scent to humans, but not insects. There are also body soaks, deodorant, body spray, and an all- purpose cleanser and bug repellent for home and garden. She even has a natural kitty litter deodorizer. Brandow has been a wellness advocate for years, and also aims to color the world with her wealth of amazing tie dyes, including jeans, shirts, baby clothes and bath towels.

Singer and songwriter Mike Fraz will hit the stage from 9- 11 a. m. A New Orleans original artist, he is influenced by jazz and blues. Fraz has lived in Hot Springs since 1997, and his keyboard compositions and vocals have been heard in local venues like Maxine’s and the Ohio Club. He is also a session keyboardist for various area bands and was featured in The Fine Arts Center’s concerts at the market last summer. His repertoire includes original songs, old jazz and blues standards, and tunes from other songwriters, like Randy Newman and Willie Nelson.

For a limited time, the SNAP at the Market Double Bucks program continues. Market SNAP purchases can be doubled for up to $ 20 each Saturday. Many vendors accept SNAP and WIC at the weekend market, providing the local community a wonderful opportunity to “get fresh” for their families.

The Tuesday evening market will continue this week from 4- 7 p. m. at the pavilion. Parking for either day is available north of the market on Orange Street or south on Broadway Street.

Visit http:// www. hotspringsfarmersmarket. com to become a Friend of the Farmers Market.