BY MARTIE EMORY
What began in 2014 as an initiative of the Clemmons Community Compass to support the local food market has grown into an inspirational effort between both local producers and consumers yearning to buy local and buy natural!
The Village of Clemmons has always been committed to providing the opportunity – and the venue – for local farmers, producers and bakers to provide their goods directly to the community. Availability of the fresh, local fare you’ll find at the Clemmons Farmers Market also aids in providing a wide variety of nutritional food choices, making a healthy diet achievable, even in hectic times. Plus, it’s an enjoyable weekend outing for the entire family!
A producer-only market, vendors at the Farmers Market only sell items they make, bake or grow themselves, staying true to the original mission. Conveniently located at the Jerry Long Family YMCA at the intersection of Peace Haven Road and Jessie Village Drive, this seasonal market runs from May to October and supports producers from Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Guilford, Davidson, Davie and Yadkin counties.
Shoppers start their week off right by purchasing from an amazing selection of in-season fruits and vegetables, plants and bulbs, cut and dried flowers, preserves, jams and jellies, pickles and relishes, honey, eggs, baked goods and candies.
With the challenges of the recent pandemic, several protocols have been put in place to encourage safe shopping, including extensive hand washing, face masks, six-foot social distancing, no access to restrooms and shoppers being asked not to handle products. Vendors will bag your products for you, and no reusable bags will be allowed. Patrons are also asked to exit the market once they have made their purchases to help ensure the safest environment for all. There were bright spots, however, in the last few challenging months, as several chefs who were displaced due to the pandemic found a new purpose with the Farmers Market, and home-schooled students were given the chance to discover the joys of gardening, a skill they will take with them through life!
Vendors express it best – and straight from the heart – when discussing the importance of this popular community effort.
“The Clemmons Farmers Market has let us increase visibility within North Carolina. As a small business in 2020, learning to reinvent ourselves and add new products has helped us make it through. The Farmers Market has been a blessing for our business, and we have met some wonderful customers!” ~ Cousin Eddie’s Sauce
“I am blessed to be part of a channel to keep friends and family connected, and close in love. In this strange time, front porch delivery of flowers has been quite safe. Nature’s beauty comes indoors and comforts people with happy colors and textures.” ~ Laurel Leigh Florals
“The Clemmons Farmers Market is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning, and the market offers a variety of produce, meats and crafts! The popularity of the market increased business and helped us gain new regular customers throughout the season. Shannon Ford, the market manager, made sure all Covid protocols were followed, and customers know their safety comes first.” ~ Darcy Farms
“As a 10-year-old with a new idea, and being the youngest vendor there, the Clemmons Farmers Market helped get my business name out there, and show people I am a serious business owner! I was able to successfully grow and sell my produce, learning how to run a business even through hard times!” ~ Produce from Heaven
The Clemmons Farmers Market is located at 1150 South Peace Haven Road in Clemmons, 336.766.7511. The market operates May through October, with Saturday hours of 8:30AM – 11:30AM. Select vendors offer year-round Saturday deliveries (pre-orders only) to Village Hall at 3715 Clemmons Road.
