Doyle Valley Farmers Market begins
By MARILYN JONES
Contributing writer
The Doyle Valley Farmers Market in Peabody was organized in 1999, as a marketing tool for local food producers. The city of Peabody has allowed the group to meet in Santa Fe Park each Saturday morning during the summer months. Food produced must be locally-grown or craft items must be handmade and not from kits. Homebaked goods are popular as are homemade jellies and black walnut meats picked out during long winter evenings. Fresh eggs are permitted if they come from the vendors' flocks.
Fresh, big, red ripe tomatoes always are the first item people ask for even if not in season. Part of the effort for the market gardeners is teaching what is available in season. Early June days may bring fresh greens, peas, and perhaps radishes and new potatoes. Corn and tomatoes don't really come on until hot weather, although the goal is often "ripe by the 4th of July." The public is learning about heirloom tomatoes, exotic breads, and green eggs.
The market would welcome new vendors. The market was started with a $1,000 grant from the Kansas Rural Center. Each member pays $20 per season or individuals may pay $5 for each time. The money is largely used in advertising. The group purchased tents to ward off rains but sometimes just moving into the gazebo in the park is sufficient. It has been found that putting up the tents in the midst and rain is difficult!
Vendors must collect taxes and as such, add to the economy of the city. Products must meet certain health standards which eliminates home-canned goods unless canned in a certified kitchen.
"I Buy Local, It's More than Food" is the motto stamped on a canvas shopping bag from a farmers market in the San Juan Islands and Peabody vendors enjoy visiting and drinking coffee (it is free) and tasting each other's products almost as much as telling customers the delights of freshly-picked green beans or the beauty of a simple bouquet of zinnias or the aroma of newly-harvested basil. The West Coast motto has found a home in the Doyle Valley Market!
The market season begins at 8 a.m. May 26 in Santa Fe Park at Peabody and runs until noon each Saturday through Labor Day. Gardening is quite weather-dependent and the season could run later if products are available.
