Farm fresh vegetables, oven fired pizza, and locally produced honey were a few of the items sold Saturday at the grand opening of the Santa Rosa Farmers Market (SRFM) in their new permanent home at the Pace Presbyterian Church located at 4587 Woodbine Road. With the holiday season at hand, the market already has seasonal events in mind.
Suzanne Olsen, Vice Chairperson, said “We wanted our market to be different than any other market in the area. We wanted it to become a destination for families Saturday mornings. We want the community to be involved and to enjoy not only the market, but the many talents that can be found in the greater Pace area.” Olsen said they want things for children to do while their parents are shopping.
Vincent Grund, of Bouvier Farms, sold items like kale, a spring mix of lettuce, parsley, olive trees, turmeric and more. He said he also has honey products like wax candles. He said he’s looking forward to seeing how the market goes where it is. “It’s a good location.” He noted the name of the farm comes from the Bouvier des Flandres dogs on the farm.
As is the case with many markets, Mary Dowdle said everything at her booth of plants she raises herself from cuttings and seeds. She had camellia, plumeria, tibouchina, and other hearty plants as well as jams and jellies.
Three days from now will be Small Business Saturday and the SRFM will be celebrating as well. Customers will receive complementary coffee and donuts when they make a purchase with any small business vendor. On hand will be 4-H with a special demonstration as well as the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
December 5 will be the SRFM’s Christmas Market. “Small Farm Santa” will be on hand for photographs all day. Attendees will also be treated with a Christmas pet sweater parade and contest at noon with prizes for the three best-dressed pets. The following Saturday will be another sweater contest, but this time for the ugliest ones on humans.
Other upcoming events include demonstration by 4-H members and the Master Gardeners, food preparation demonstrations, contests, concerts by local musicians, and more. The market is also looking for church choirs to perform. Anyone interested should call Treasurer Randy Compton at 485-3932. For more information or anyone looking to become a vendor, contact Blake Thaxton at bthaxton@ufl.edu.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Santa Rosa Farmer's Market holds grand opening in Pace