Savor the flavors :
Earth ’ s Bounty farmers market
Story by Glenda Sanders Photos by Thomas Howard & Glenda Sanders
Looking for some fresh tomatoes or green beans straight out of the garden or maybe some quail eggs , goat milk or canned squash ? Then look no further than Earth ’ s Bounty at Singing Brakeman Park on the first Saturday of each month .
Earth ’ s Bounty draws hundreds of shoppers monthly to the downtown Meridian market between the first Saturday in April until it winds down the first Saturday in November .
“ We average about 500 to 600 ( visitors ) per Earth ’ s Bounty festival ,” organizer Craig Wilkes said of atten-
Earth ’ s Bounty draws an assortment of vendors to the farmer ’ s market , held between the
dance . “ We do keep a door count .” first Saturday in April and the first Saturday in The outdoor market began November , including Allyson Hooper , in top about 12 years ago originally photo , who has participated for the past 12 seasons , and Diane Reynolds , below , who looks
offered through the Meridian over plants available at the market . Main Street program , said Wilkes , who got involved when he moved back to his hometown about 10 years ago . When Main Street previously ceased to exist , the City of Meridian ’ s Community Development Department took over the market .
Wilkes , who is an administrative assistant with Community Development , has been instrumental in keeping the market going ever since .
Each monthly event features from 20 to 30 vendors who offer a range of products from fresh homegrown vegetables and fruits to homemade breads and baked goods to jars of local honey , jams and jellies to Mississippi Delta catfish to supplies of goat soap , lotion , cheese and milk . There are candler makers , wood carvers and gardeners with plants . A local band or musician is usually on hand to entertain .
“ The purpose of Earth ’ s Bounty is to showcase local vendors who are passionate about what they do which is agricultural goods , including farming , baked goods , canning , really anything agricultural based ,” Wilkes said .
Allyson Hooper , owner of Sweet Treats by Allyson , is in her 12th season participating in Earth ’ s Bounty . One of the original vendors , she offers a variety of baked goods such as petit fours , cookies , cheese straws , brownies , pound cakes and breads .
Earth ’ s Bounty , Hooper said , “ provides the community an opportunity to support local vendors . It ’ s also great to see the vendors and customers each month and catch up . It ’ s my Earth ’ s Bounty family . Many of them have been here several years and I ’ ve gotten to know them and their families . It ’ s
14 • MERIDIAN LIFE