As frost falls on the pumpkin and the bountiful growing season fades, everyone still has an opportunity to stock up at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market in Columbus. On Saturday, Nov. 18, the Holiday Farmers’ Market will showcase homegrown, homemade and handcrafted holiday foods and gifts from 9 a.m. to noon at the corner of Second Avenue and Second Street North, adjacent to the Columbus Soccer Complex. Plans are being finalized by the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market Advisory Board and Main Street Columbus.
“This is the 10th year for the Holiday Market and is the perfect time to get those last-minute goodies just in time for Thanksgiving and to get a start on holiday buying,” said Barbara Bigelow, executive director of Main Street Columbus. “Our regular market season has ended, but this is a fabulous chance to get your favorite vendors’ goods.”
Jennifer Garrard of Columbus is a repeat Holiday Market vendor. Her Whimsi Woo pottery includes ornaments and gift items. She likes the show’s three-hour format.
“It’s a fast show, which means people come ready to shop. They’re excited about Thanksgiving and Christmas, and they bring their lists and they’re marking them off,” she said.
Selections are eclectic, Garrard added. “There’s something for everybody. There’s not a focus on just one kind of artwork or handmade item.”
Vendor spots available
Vendor spaces are $10; booths must be reserved in advance.
Market coordinator Katherine Lucas noted that the same rules for the regular farmers’ market apply — all produce, products and art must be locally grown, made or “conjured up.” Items must be sold by the grower or artist who produced them.
“This will be your last chance to experience the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market until next May,” Lucas said.
Deborah Neal of Columbus has been offering her decoratively packaged Deb’s Delites chocolate turtles for years at the Holiday Market and looks forward to returning Nov. 18.
“You meet more people, different types of people, at the holiday market, people looking for variety,” Neal said. “I just love meeting and talking to them.”
Musical entertainment by Melvin Mordecai and Mother Goose will add to the festive atmosphere, as will face painting for the kids. Hot chocolate and food will be available as well.
The W’s Passport to Wellness, partnering with the Culinary Arts Institute, will be on site with Project CHEW providing healthy snacks and campus recreation leading an exercise routine at 10 a.m.
Shopper Mary Turnage of New Hope said, “I’ve already marked my calendar; it’s just a great vibe and helps get you in the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
To learn more about the Holiday Farmers’ Market or to receive an application, contact Main Street Columbus at 662-328-6305.
The mission statement of the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market is to support the development of local sustainable farming by cultivating a vibrant farmers’ market that serves as a community gathering place celebrating local farmers, food producers and artisans.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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