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Farmers market gearing up for season
file-farmers market
Randall Hall sets up an arrangement of peaches, and tomatoes at his fresh produce stand. - photo by File photo

In the span of just four hours, more than 1,000 cars will come through J.F. Gregory Park during the height of the season, according to manager Angus McLeod. The Richmond Hill Farmers Market is popular to say the least.
“The farmer’s market gives the local vendors a place to show their wears — it gives the community the opportunity to buy fresh produce at a good price,” McLeod said. “It’s also a very social gathering. It’s a great chance to get out, let the kids play and go pick up fresh produce.
“It’s a great venue and people strongly support the event.”
The first farmer’s market of the year will be Tuesday, April 1. The market runs weekly from 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays through the middle of October, giving the community more than 25 opportunities to visit the event at the pavilion in the park.
Vendors sell everything from fresh meats, cheeses and breads to locally grown herbs and produce to homemade pasta and local honey. The market, which is pet-friendly, also includes vendors selling handmade soap, handmade furniture and barbecue.
“We have five or six vendors selling fresh vegetables and produce,” McLeod said. “We have vendors from Wayne County, Bluffton and as far away as Brunswick. But we encourage local vendors. Local vendors get first choice.”
The farmers market, which has more than 3,000 likes on its Facebook page, brings many people from other towns to Richmond Hill.
Mary Beth Allen, a Fort Stewart resident, took her two daughters to the market while her husband was deployed last year.
“We bought vegetables, ice cream, kettle corn, lemonade — lots of snacks,” Allen said. “I like that the market is family-friendly and there’s a playground for the girls. My daughters also like to feed the ducks at the pond.”
Allen said she likes that the market has so many local businesses. Her family enjoys the local honey they buy from the Richmond Hill Bee Company during the farmers market.
“It’s very popular and people buy the honey because it’s local,” Freida Sikes of the Richmond Hill Bee Company said.
McLeod encouraged nonprofit organizations to come to the event as well.
“This event is charity and nonprofit friendly,” McLeod said. “Fundraisers are welcome. We don’t charge nonprofits to participate.”
For those looking to become a vendor, contact McLeod at 572-5888. An application will need to be filled out, and booths are $15 a week.

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