Friday, January 13, 2012

Welcome!

    
The Keystone Heights Farmer's Market is in its sixth season and is operated by the City of Keystone Heights. It was originally founded by Sandy Rogers, whose vision was that the Market would provide a healthy alternative to traditional stores by offering fresh vegetables, locally produced foods and handmade arts and crafts to the citizens of the Lake Region. She hoped it would represent a step toward sustainability for the community. In addition, a farmer's market was seen as a way to draw people back downtown and keep local dollars local.

During the last year under a new manager, the Keystone Heights Farmer's Market has grown from six vendors to over fifty in the just completed Holiday Season. Currently vendors offer such things as baked goods, fruit and vegetables, honey, eggs, lamb, chicken, ground grains, yard art, outdoor furniture, jewelry, photography, plants and flowers, soaps, needle crafts, pottery, crafts, jams and jellies, sauces, spices, coffees and prepared hot foods, such as barbecue, Mediterranean and Mexican.

The Market's vendors are the core of the Market. They offer an amazing array of products showing the depth of their talents and hard work. They patiently get up early every Saturday to set up their booths and displays, braving heat, cold, wind and rain and take an active part in the Market's operation.  For example, at their request, the Market stayed open through a sizzling 2011 Summer and all day and evening during the City's December Holiday celebration. Each week a vendor is chosen as the Vendor of the Week so as to highlight their specific products. We sincerely thank them for being part of the Market family.

The Market is operated under the auspices of Keystone Heights' Community Redevelopment Advisory Board (CRAB). The strong support from the City has been essential to the Market's success. In addition to input from CRAB, the Market manager is aided in the planning and operation of the Market by an Advisory Committee composed of customer and vendor representatives. Lively interchange among all has led to the Keystone Heights Farmer's Market becoming a significant asset to the community.

In an otherwise, disconnected community, the Market is a gathering place where people stroll and greet neighbors and friends. Children play as parents visit. Dogs greet each other nose to nose.  An occasional rooster crows notifying his feathered lady friends of his availability. To the delight of all, a goat once highlighted her vendor's goat milk products. One can sit and enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere while having a bite to eat. A pot of fresh coffee is always available. Background music warms the air while the trees and lake emphasize the beautiful small community that is Keystone Heights.

We invite you to use this website to find information about vendors and management, how to become a vendor, as well as recipes, helpful hints, and to provide feedback about the Market. Please share this site with your friends and come to the Market.



                                Thanks for dropping in!


                                                               Cheryl Owen, Manager