Adair Farmers ’ Market provides economic opportunity for locals
By RENEE FITE Westville Reporter
The Adair County Farmers ’ Market gives citizens a place to gather , support local and buy local . From pretty produce to divine sweets , this is a must for Saturday morning at Baron , between Stilwell and Westville on Highway 59 in front of Mid-County Community Center .
It ’ s convenient for vendors and shoppers . The group had been setting up ini Westville in previous seasons but this year decided to try a new location and new name .
There is no fee to set up and the group welcomes others to join .
“ You don ’ t have to commit to every Saturday , just come when you can or have inventory ,” said Misty Mahler , group coordinator .
This location has been such a blessing , Mahler said .
“ People like having a place to gather and visit . It ’ s more safe and secure for patrons and vendor space to grow with convenient parking ,” she said .
Ashleigh Chastain pulled a red canvas with daughter Aliyah Chastain , which was “ 1 on the 11th ,” a watermelon and bags of produce nestled inside . It was the first time for her to come to the Adair County Farmers ’ Market , but she said that she will definitely be back .
“ I love the community coming together and setting up . I ’ ve been to bigger ones like in Fayetteville . I try to shop local when I can , so I loaded up on fruits and vegetables : peaches , cucumbers , tomatoes , okra , onion and watermelon ,” said Chastain .
She also likes the “ delicious smelling candles ” at Luci ’ s Smelly Goods booth .
Steve Trammell and Donnie Eubanks partner with Steve ’ s Produce . They had set up in Westville previously and are pleased with the new location .
“ There ’ s a lot more room here ,” said
Trammell . And more traffic . “ We need more vendors , but we have a good variety now ,” Eubanks said . Their produce is mostly local or as available during the season .
“ We have Georgia peaches until Porter peaches are ready , and that won ’ t be long for those . Cabbage , cucumbers , squash and new potatoes are local . The watermelon is from Texas . We ’ re just now planting watermelon and it will be July when they ’ re ready . These are all farm raised though ,” he said , gesturing to all the items .
Renee Fite | Democrat Journal Mark Bradford , right , and Connie Bradford shop with granddaughter Reece who picked out a new flower .
10 Tahlequah Daily Press | Green Country Scene • Good Eats • July 2022