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
