Marion County/Hamilton Farmers Market on Bexar Avenue opens June 7

HAMILTON — The Marion County/Hamilton Farmers Market on Bexar Avenue in Weston will open for the season on Saturday, June 7.
Manager Marvie Marchbanks said spring and summer hours will be Saturdays from 7-11 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. The address is 2151 Bexar Avenue West in the old Weston Fire Station.
Marchbanks notes

the farmers market is dependent upon what the growers bring, but said he is hoping to attract vendors of all types of fruits and vegetables, as well as honey products, and much more.
“We welcome those who want to cook bread, too,” he said. “We had some pastries a few years ago. We’ve had ladies bake cakes. We’ve also had some growers selling houseplants. And we invite artists and others selling handmade items.”
Marchbanks noted only fruits and vegetables are eligible for senior voucher purchases, but cash sales are permitted for all types of vendors.
“We’re also hoping to have eggs,” he said. “We’d had ice cream before. We’ll try to do everything we can. We invite growers with tomatoes, cabbage and anyone with leafy summer greens. We’ve had okra and cucumbers, squash, beets and watermelons--the normal summer staples. We’d like some of everything.
“I’m a grower, too, and I’ll have blueberries, strawberries and raspberries for sale. I’m also trying to do a conventional garden this year. I don’t make money or receive a salary to be here. I manage the market out of the heart of trying to help our community. So, if I sell something I’ve grown, that’s how I make up for some of my time.”
 Marchbanks enjoys managing the market, noting, “It feels good to know others are blessed by what we do. The market takes a combined effort of so many to be a success. We had a lot of traffic last year, and we hope to have even more this year. Our market has been resilient, and God has been blessing us all, sellers and buyers, with this market.
“In Alabama’s 67 counties, there are many counties who don’t have a market where seniors can shop with vouchers. We want the client base to come shop with us in Marion County --where they reside. You don’t have to drive the scenic route to spend on the debit card the state provides. We are here for your convenience.
“We always have some vendors who accept senior vouchers, so we encourage seniors to bring them and use them here.
“You can buy the freshest foods for your family, whether you’re a young mother, a grandmother caring for her grandchildren or if you just like delicious locally-grown or homemade items. Bring your children. They’ll enjoy the experience. We welcome everyone to come and spend with us and support local efforts.”

Sign up now
to be a grower
Marchbanks encourages those wanting  to participate as vendors to sign up now at the Marion County Extension Office in Hamilton to obtain their grower’s permit.
“Even if you don’t start at the beginning of the season, go ahead and sign up,” he noted. “If you choose to have a summer or fall garden, we will accept you. We will help you.”
Extension Office Administrative Support Associate Deana Warner said the process to get a permit only takes about five minutes.