By Mary Windsor

The Farmers Market that takes place at the intersection between Walker and Elm Street was full of life Saturday morning, November 22. Beginning at eight in the morning, vendors set up shop outside Sticks and Stones, on the corner of Walker and Chapman Street. You can find an assortment of original and handmade items there; from soaps, jarred jam, frozen meat and fresh greens grown by locals in the Lindley neighborhood.

Peanuts were being roasted in an old fashioned metal pan while a crowd formed around the area for warmth, while others walked along and spoke to the sellers about their items, creating an easy conversation that filled the area with a sense of community.

John Batchman, a jolly and rosy cheeked man, was there handing out free popcorn with his wife to those who were hanging out at the market. He bragged that he had grown habanero peppers that were used in a jam that was being sold that morning. He wasn’t there to sell any of his merchandise, but rather help out his friend, Kathy Newsome, who ran “Hope Spreads: Jam Packed with Love”, a homemade jam company.

Newsome has lived in the Lindley neighborhood for over fifteen years and is one of the main organizers of the Saturday farmers market. Her main event at this week’s market was a small bonfire in the center of the parking lot and vending tents, hay bales surrounding it and children happily making a hand turkey with construction paper and crayons.

“I enjoy creating an environment for families to hangout … and catch up about what’s happened during their week. Their kids can be preoccupied with a craft while they socialize. This is a meeting place, and I want to create a sense of community in the neighborhood,” she stated while helping a little girl trace her hand on a sheet of red paper.

Many of the vendors only participate during the winter months, such as David Schaeffer who sells soaps and mittens. He has an array of multicolored soaps filled with dinosaur and alien figurines and his long mittens are knitted with a rainbow type string that captures the eye and decorates his corner table.

“The soaps melt during the summer, and no one needs gloves when it’s ninety degrees outside,” said Schaeffer. “It’s my second winter being involved in this farmers market, and I’ve been knitting for about two and a half. It never occurred to me to sell my items when I first began, it was just a hobby. But now, I enjoy coming out every Saturday morning, even if it’s freezing cold and 7:30 in the morning.”

Angela Waterhorse owns and runs her own tea business, Tea Hugger, for nine and a half years.

“I support all local crafts, my own included,” said Waterhouse. “When I sell my tea here, it’s nice to know that a family will be using and making the tea to drink and enjoy in their home.” She was handing out free samples of chilled green tea, and inviting everyone to try it out. “I love the whole – you know, neighborhoody feel about this location. What people buy from me here is different than when I set up shop somewhere else, somewhere bigger.”

“This farmers market is a place where the community connects,” said Newsome. “Neighbors talk to each other and make plans; they walk home together. They encourage each other to create art and try new things. The next few weeks are going to be exciting as the holiday season begins, new crafts will be offered and hopefully there will be some seasonal vendors here showcasing their skills.”