The Mineral Farmer’s Market will kick off its season with a soft opening on April 30th, followed by its regular season opener on May 7th, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

   The April 30th opening will be referred to as the beautification festival. Manager Becky Vigon decided to open earlier this year instead of the usual May 7th opening to get a head start on sales.

   The Farmer’s Market was first opened in 2009 with a total of ten vendors. They have now increased to 30 vendors each week, all providing locally grown food, homemade baked goods, and crafts.

  Located at Louisa Avenue across from the Mineral Little League field, the open land was donated by the Whitlock Family. This gave the market a permanent home.

     “The Market has been such a blessing for our little community: as a social gathering spot, as a means to cultivate business relationships, as a convenient spot to get fresh groceries, and as a way to learn where the best food comes from,” Vigon said. “We have so many people ‘hobby farming’ – several folks became interested in homesteading as a way to get through the pandemic and regain some control over their lives. That means a lot of chickens and a lot of eggs, and a lot of really great baked goods.” 

   The Farmer’s Market has provided many people with locally grown or raised food; along with allowing people to have another source of income by selling these goods.

   “…it not only allows local farmers to sell their meats and produce, but it also allows interaction among the folks who shop there,” Peter Coen said.  “We have many people who have been coming here for years and look for certain vendors as well as friends they have made.” 

   It has also benefited local teams, such as the varsity field hockey team. Two seniors, Ali Downey and Lydia Gillespie worked to make and sell healthy snacks to fundraise for new gear. The team raised over $300 which greatly exceeded what they were hoping for.

  “We’re proud of what the Mineral Farmer’s Market means to our area, and are so grateful to the Town of Mineral and the Whitlock family for their continued support,” Vigon said.

   Mineral Farmer’s Market will also now be accepting SNAP/EBT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and P(andemic)-EBT cards.

   “Personally, I’m very proud of our SNAP/FreshMatch program that allows our EBT customers to double their money when they shop at the Market,” Vigon said.

     Come support the Mineral Farmer’s Market starting April 30th, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.