Brighten the table tops with handmade holiday decorations from Bloomin’ Baskets
It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is this Thursday. Where did the year go? We have to say, that 2013 has been a good one for us at the Franklin Farmers Market. Lots of longtime customers and just as many new ones have visited the market this year helping to keep our local farms productive. When the market first began, there were only 8 farms participating. Now over 70 during the course of the year are part of the market and that’s because of you. This Thanksgiving, we give our thanks for your loyal support of local farms.
Even the very cold weather this past Saturday didn’t keep people away from the market. Everyone was picking up goodies for Thanksgiving dinner. You should have seen the crowds at the Peaceful Pastures and West Wind Farms booths, as people lined up to get their turkeys.
Market Customers in line to pick up local Farm Turkey’s
Two CSA’s from Delvin Farms full of Thanksgiving week fresh veggies
Sweet potatoes and pecans were being snatched up, along with butter and cream from Hatcher’s Dairy to use in turkey day desserts.
Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Apples from Kirkview Farm
Goat’s cheese and fudge from Noble Springs Dairy
Speaking of turkeys, that wasn’t the only meat being picked up for Thanksgiving. Chickens were flying , so to speak, out of the market. Fresh rolls and breads from Jones Mill Farms were also high on the Thanksgiving shopping list, along with desserts from Norton Family Farms.
Christmas Fruit Cake from Jones Mill Farm
Wonderful Thanksgiving week Pies from Geraldine’s Greatest Pies
Soups, Cranberry Relish and Pizza Dough from Jones Mill Farm
Fresh Baked Cakes from Flying S Farm
Frenched Rib Roast from Bear Creek Farm
Winter Farm Fresh Produce from Beaverdam Creek Farm
The greens that Rocky Glade Farm and Zadock the Natural Farm were very popular too. Overall the market was full of winter veggies to make Thanksgiving dinner top of the class.
Rocky Glade just picked winter produce
Great lettuces from Zadok the Natural Farmer
Greens, Eggs, Potatoes and more from Pilgrims Produce
Butternut Squash and Spaghetti Squash from Evans Produce
By the way, did you get a taste of the Roasted Butternut Squash Soup at the market? It’s a recipe in the market’s “Eating in Season” cookbook and samples were being handed out at the cookbook booth. The “Eating in Season” cookbook is great for your kitchen, but it also makes a great holiday gift. There were people buying cases of the cookbook for stocking stuffers and office gifts this past Saturday.
Something else we are thankful for at the market is the generosity of our customers. Even though the Love Will Keep Us Warm blanket & coat drive doesn’t start until November 30th, several people brought blankets, coats and winter clothing to donate at the market this past Saturday. You can help out those in need stay warm this winter by donating gently-used or new blankets, coats and winter clothing at the market during the charity drive. Just look for the drop-off tent next to the market Info booth at the front of the market. We’ll be collecting the blankets, coats and winter clothing on this upcoming Saturday (November 30th) and on Saturday, December 7th.
What a cute, cute Labor-doodle Puppy!
And finally, this is the last week to tell us whether dogs should stay or go at the market. Many of you want dogs to continue to be allowed at the market, but it seems that just as many want the dogs to be banned from the market because of sanitary and safety issues. What do you think? Send an email to lisa@franklinfarmersmarket.com or stop by the market info booth this upcoming Saturday and let us know what you think.
