Fresh picked mixed lettuces from Norton Family Farm
Isn’t it funny how the weather can affect your mood? Days of cold, cloudy weather can really bring you down, but when that first bright sunshiny day pops up, it’s amazing to see all the happy faces out and about. That’s the way it was this past Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market. There was a big bunch of people all over the place, talking, smiling and picking up some of the best in fresh food from local farms that you could ever find. There were vegetables like sweet crunchy carrots and fresh lettuce for salads, along with sweet potatoes and herbs to spice things up a bit.
Fresh eggs and produce from the Somethin’ to do Farm
Sweet carrots from Norton Family Farm
A proud Grandma with her new twin baby girls!
Farm raised beef from River Cottage Farm
And then there were all types of soups, baked goods and sweets to take home.
Home baked pies from Pappa C Pies
Pretzels from BB’s Gourmet Pretzels
Sunshine cookies from Flying S Farm
Farm made preserves from Flyring S Farm
Hummus, pimento and chicken salads from Lucy’s Kitchen
Fresh baked breads from Twin Forks Farm
Home made Hummus from the Hummus Chick
All very delicious, but we’re anxiously waiting for the first real spring veggie to show up. There’s a whole lot of back and forth with the weather in March. It could be freezing cold one day and in the 70’s the next. But the official first day of spring is now just 3 days away and very soon, the first of the spring vegetables will be ripe and ready. We talked to all of the farmers at the market this past Saturday, asking about their spring crops. And after doing so, we’re betting that asparagus will be the first spring veggie to make an appearance at the market. Then again, broccoli or snow peas could surprise us and show up a bit early. But whichever one shows up first, it doesn’t matter. We’re just like you are…. Hungry for spring!
Saturday was the perfect day to be outside walking the dog, so we understand why some folks brought their dogs with them to the market. Unfortunately, the Franklin Farmers Market is not the place for the dogs. As much as we love them ourselves, dogs are no longer allowed at the market due to health and safety concerns. We’re asking everyone to please respect the market’s policy – don’t bring your pets to market!
That great sunshine on Saturday is the type of weather that makes you want to play in the dirt. We’re talking gardening. And we’re inviting your kids to play in the dirt and learn a little something about their food and the environment. The class schedule for our Growing Kids Educational Garden is now posted on the Kids section of our website. Classes begin in April and are designed for kids from pre-k to 3rd grade. And the classes are free! It’s a great way for your kids to learn where their food really comes from, with hands-on fun in the garden. Click here to get details and sign up for classes. Learn to Grow – Grow to Learn!
Over 20 new signs from Tom the Furniture Guy
Judy’s homemade soups from Jones Mill Farm
Today is Jerry Reed’s 77th Birthday. Jerry was one of the Strong Supporters of the Franklin Farmers Winter Market. He came to the Market every Saturday Morning and stayed most of the day with us. At that time we didn’t have many customers and there were only Kimberly Cole West Wind Farms, James Gardner Gardner Grove, and me Pop Stroud Jones Mill Farms. Jerry was one of our better customers and we enjoyed his stories about, Music, Movies, Wounded Warriors, and the World Affairs in General. I have fond memories of seeing Jerry turn his White Lincoln in the parking lot of the Factory and coming down to where our Booths were setup. Rest in Peace my Friend!