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June 28, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels March 16, 2004 Farmers market opens for 2004 By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings Holding bags full of breads and fresh produce, Liz Robinson was taking advantage of the first day of the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market in Ashland this morning. "It's a rite of spring," Robinson, of Phoenix said. "It's a rebirth of good food in our life." Stetson Pound, 8, waits for a fresh donut to drop from the fryer with his brother Cody, 6, today at the Daddy's Donuts and Juices booth in the Growers and Crafters Market. Each year, many Ashlanders and folks throughout the region wait for spring and the return of the farmers market. Today was the first day the market reopened after closing in November for the winter. The market, located at the National Guard Armory on East Main Street, has become a tradition for people to enjoy the freshest produce, food, and unique crafts provided by local people. The market buzzed with activity - customers were warmly greeted by vendors they haven't seen in months as they checked the produce, such as fresh tomatoes and dill. Others sampled freshly baked cakes, pies and breads, or bought buffalo meat and fresh fruit jam. Manager Mark Pound was grateful for the clear, sunny weather and the steady stream of people who enjoyed the 40 vendor booths. He said people enjoy knowing those who produce their food and to be able to buy from local vendors. "A lot of people like to buy local and support our economy," Pound said. "Buying produce here, people have a connection with their food source and those who grow their foods. It's connecting with the earth again." Many customers were lining up to sample the fresh jams offered at the Pennington Farms booth. Cathy Pennington of the Applegate Valley said people have especially enjoyed the Tayberry Jam, which is a fairly new berry developed in Scotland that merges a black raspberry and a blackberry. "People love it," she said. "It's pretty heavenly." Pennington, who also goes to the farmers markets in Grants Pass and Medford said she especially enjoys coming to Ashland. "The community is so faithful and really supports us," she said. "We already have had a lot of loyal Tuesday market friends come. It's fun to have the same folks come year after year. They're like old friends." Doug Bigham of Bigham Farms in the Sams Valley area already was selling numerous herbs and vegetables for people to plant, such as dill, tomatoes and parsley. "We've been having excellent weather and people are excited to get stuff grown in their gardens," Bigham said. "A lot of people really like growing their own organic produce because it's fresh." Betsey Velasco of Ashland said when she heard the farmers market was this Tuesday, she couldn't wait to go down and buy some fresh produce. Velasco said she likes the friendless of the growers, who can answer her questions about the produce and plants she buys from them. "I like talking to actual growers if you have specific questions like if a plant will grow in my back yard," she said. The farmers market runs each Tuesday through November from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the armory, located at 1420 E. Main St. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams