From Farm to Your Table

BY CARMEN BROWN

THE FARMERS MARKET AT BROCK’S GAP

Chilton County peaches. Sweet tomatoes. Fresh honey. Homemade pepper jelly. Roasted peanuts. These are just a few offerings at the new “little market that could,” The Farmers Market at Brock’s Gap. Having just opened in March, co-founder Regina Evans said the response has been “insane.” Her inspiration? Her mom.

“My mother loved visiting Pepper Place and the quality of what it brings to the community,” Evans said. “I was inspired by it and had been going there for 22 years.”

When she lost her mother to cancer ten years ago, Evans wanted to honor her by starting a market in Hueytown. She did this in 2017, and in March of this year, she branched out to Hoover with co-founder Jena Large.

Hamm Farms, Pierce Farms, Cox Cattle & Produce, Youngblood Ranch and Greathouse Made are just a few of the vendors represented, as well as the creations of local woodworker Matthew Allen. Evans said some of the more unique items include Wagyu, a Japanese breed of beef cattle

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 and adaptogenic mushrooms that reportedly have medicinal and healing benefits. Evans said she wants to emphasize that all of their farmers must have an Alabama Growers permit and everything they sell must be made in Alabama.

“We take a lot of pride in our vendors, beekeepers, farmers, everybody. The variety and depth of what we have to offer is extensive.”

The Farmers Market at Brock Gap is open rain or shine every Saturday from 8: 00 am to 1:00 p.m.

Ross Bridge Farmers Market

The Ross Bridge Farmers Market is known for its many themed events, from luaus and fundraisers to Mardi Gras Market and Strawberry Day.

“We like to put on a theme to help our farmers out a little bit,” said Market Manager Ellie Vandyke. “This past year we had a berry day where the kids dressed up like little raspberries and blueberries. When we had the luau, we had a limbo stick and a little water sprinkler for the kids to run through.”

Upcoming themes include the Summer Kick-Off on May 12 and the Flower Market on May 26.

“We’re planning on having a Wild Honey Flower Truck, where the first 150 people that come get a little flower as a thank you for coming,” Vandyke said.

Hamm Farms, C&J Farms and Chaffin Farms are regular vendors, along with four food trucks and a free dessert truck. Live music by local jazz, country or pop performers rounds out the atmosphere.

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The Ross Bridge Farmers Market is open May 12-July 28 on Fridays 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Farmers Market At Lee Branch

The Marketplace at Lee Branch opened in 2016 after founders Mike and Renee Betz started following a more healthconscious diet while she was battling cancer. Today, Market Manager Helen Ryan, naturopath and owner of the Ryan Clinic, strives to bring the latest in organic, farm-fresh food.

“Food is part of the medicinal approach that people need to live healthily,” Ryan said. “We sell microgreens that have a lot of good phytonutrients. They have a little bit of a different taste, but they’re nutrient dense.”

Vendors include Penton Farms, Evans Meats, Sweet Gum Farm and local honey producers. The Lee Branch market features local artisans, craft makers and activities for youth, including the North Shelby 4H. The North Shelby Humane Society will also provide a free clinic where visitors can bring their pets to get vaccinated.

The Marketplace at Lee Branch kicks off May 6 and will be open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., rain or shine.