cialis free shipping class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-1467″ title=”collage3″ src=”http://www.easttexasreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/collage3-271×300.png” alt=”" width=”271″ height=”300″ />The new Longview Historic Farmers’ Market has held its second monthly open air agricultural sales day. The market place was scheduled to open at 8:00 a.m., but local residents were already buying produce at 7:30.
The first Market Day back on the 15th sold out in just one hour. Locals did not want to risk missing out on the choicest selection of East Texas produce. Customers arrived early and swept up the vendors’ delectable crops. There is also the attractive personal touch.
In the good old days people went to market to buy produce from local farmers who were their friends, neighbors and relatives. The crops sold were grown and harvested without the pesticides and artificial colors included in modern grocery store produce. Consumers at the Farmers’ Market purchase veggies from the men and women who grew it, and can ask them questions about their methods. At this venue there is no need for “buyers beware” warnings.
Dr. Frank Tibiletti, Eleanor Kirk, Christina Massey, Evalonia Bolton, Ana Walker, her family and many other health-conscious Longview residents made the rounds of the booths, buying nutritious produce. Gynecologist Tibiletti brought a shopping list that included squash, potatoes and herbs. Still, a healthy diet was not his sole reason for coming.
“We definitely want to support this,” he said. “It is good for downtown revitalization.”
Professional photographer Christina Massey found the market both healthy and entertaining.
“I am here to get the very best,” she gushed. “This is locally grown, tastes better and [is] loaded with nutrition.”
Massey also bought homemade soap and urges everyone who has not come to the market to do so.
“You need to come and experience the market,” she said. “There are good people Ampicillin Online all over the place, and there is something for everyone.”
Wisconsin natives Steve and Cody Husman and their daughter Cheyenne and their horses love both the market and the Texas weather.
“We have been trying to get down here,” said Steve. “The ranch we bought around Liberty City has solar and wind turbines and all kinds of fruit trees.”
The family believes the property is just right for them, and they are vendors themselves in the Farmers’ Market, selling their home grown green beans. They plan to bring their elderberries for sale on the 29th. They grow their crops strictly organically, using compost fertilizers.
“This is locally grown, fresh picked and chemical-free,” said Cody.
Janet McKinney from Lanesville brightened up the array of edible merchandise by bringing her flowers for sale.
“We grow these beauties with the help of our five kids,” she said. “We sell wholesale and retail,” adding that her business phone number is (903) 854-2468.
Lowell Tanksley of Tanksley Farm recalled how early he sold out in the previous market, so he brought twice the amount of his crops this time. His busy booth was one of many where customers bought and socialized, meeting old friends and making new ones.
The Farmers’ Market still needs singers, musicians and other entertainers. Also, volunteer workers are needed to help set up and dismantle the booths before and after the market. Market Vice-President Danielle Heard described the market as a part of the local sustainability movement that will help the community grow and prosper. This makes volunteers even more vital.
The Longview Historic Farmers’ Market is located at the confluence of Cotton, High and Center streets. For now it opens Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., with plans to eventually also be open during the week as increasing volumes of produce are harvested and brought in by vendors. For more information call 903-746-2708.