Bath Farmer’s Market opening soon

With Memorial Day behind us, it’s time to start looking forward to a long season of fresh, local produce. All over the state Farmers’ Markets offer the latest and the greatest as far as produce and meat are concerned. Bath County’s market may run a couple of weeks behind those in warmer growing zones, but market manager, Beth Rodgers assures us the good stuff is on its way.
What can shoppers expect this early summer?
“Well, so far to date we have over 12 produce and food vendors who have signed up for the market offering everything from eggs, grass-fed beef, and pork, pastured pork. We have a flower farm that’ll be offering beautiful bouquets of flowers, so we’re very excited. In addition to that we also have about a half dozen artisan vendors, so if you’re looking for that perfect gift for a wedding or a birthday over the summer, the farmer’s market is a great place to find something local.”
In a world where so many items come from China, and it’s hard to guess what our foods are treated with, a farmer’s market is a chance to put money right into the neighborhood economy, and take pleasure in whatever product we select.
“The important thing for us at the farmer’s market is that everything is made locally,” said Beth Rodgers. “The baked goods are baked by the person you see there at the market. The produce is raised by the farmers that are there, and the beef and pork, or the cattle and pigs are raised by the people that you see. And you know the story behind the local crafters, so it’s something unique and special and you know exactly where it’s coming from.”
At the moment vendors are from Bath, Highland, and Allegheny Counties, but if you are interested in selling, and reside in the other counties as close as those, just be in touch with Beth at 540-968-1521, or visit the website at bacofarmmkt.com.

One change this year will be vendors can accept SNAP benefits for food items. The hospital is strengthening this offering by matching dollar for dollar any purchase a customer with SNAP makes. For example, if one buys 6 dollars worth of sweet corn, then you can also get six dollars worth of peaches for free.
A Cheers for the Chamber event this Thursday evening from 5-7 is a great chance to meet the market team, and hear what some of the vendors expect to offer. Refreshments will be served, and if it rains the gathering will move into the Chamber office across the street. Like all Chamber of Commerce events, this one is free and open to the public. And then just about ten days after that, is Opening Day of the Market.
Beth Rodgers said,
“The market is located on Main Street in Hot Springs across from the firehouse. The hours are 9AM to 1PM, Saturday mornings, June 6th through September 19th.”

So, while some of us wait eagerly for the first vine-ripened tomato, others look for quantities of green beans to can. Among the varieties of fruits and vegetables, meats, and artisan’s creations available at Bath County’s Farmer’s market, there is likely to be something for everyone.