Throughout the long winter months, many have longed for the summer season and the launch of the outdoor Bridgeport Farmers Market.

 

During that time, farmers and growers have been working – raising grass-fed beef, vegetables and flowers. Artisans have been creating unique items and bakers dreaming up sweet confections.

 

“Our farms are always working, getting ready for the next season,” said Debbie Workman of the BFM Board of Directors. “We look forward to tomatoes, corn and green beans; all of the West Virginia produce.”

 

On May 20, the products of about 40 West Virginia vendors will come together at the Charles Pointe marketplace for the kickoff of the summer market season.

 

Green Acres Farm and Greenhouses, Jennings Brae Bank Farm and Radabaugh Farms are just a few of the regional farms to be represented.

 

“Book and Bean will sell books on food, West Virginia history and the Appalachian region,” Workman said. “We also have our resident poet the Bards of Yellow Wood.”

In addition to diverse market offerings, this year’s market – the 10^th annual – will feature live entertainment by Hillary Kay, Nat Frederick and Seth Maynard, onsite brunch service, chef demos, on-site yoga and continuation of the Power of Produce “POP” Club for kids.

 

The market has come a long way since 2008, when six vendors set up shop in the parking lot of Bridgeport Middle School.

 

Though 40 vendors will be featured at the 2018 market at any given time, there are upwards of 60 that will be registered this season, said Debbie Workman of the BFM board of directors. Among newest vendors are Gum’s Hollow Apothecary featuring products handcrafted from organic, wildcrafted and ethically sourced plant materials.

 

Providing the first chef’s demo will be Chef Pamela Stevens of Mia Margherita. The idea behind the demos, Workman said, are to show patrons how to make dishes made of market products. All ingredients are available for purchase at Bridgeport Farmers Market.

May 20 entertainment will be provided by Hilary K and guest artisan will be Chef Bear Ullman of Chef Bear Bowls. Alison Clem of Riversong Spa will lead a free yoga class.

 

Available at the market will be tickets for the Sept. 29 Wild and Wonderful Table to be held in a yet-to-be-disclosed Harrison County location. A recycling tent will be set up and manned by members of the Bridgeport High School Key Club.

 

The market will be held 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 14. Market grounds are just outside the new Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau at 600 Marketplace Avenue, Charles Pointe.

 

“We want to remind people that every single thing they buy at the market is either grown, produced or handmade right here in West Virginia,” Workman said.

 

Workman encourages market patrons to stay up to date at the Bridgeport Farmers Market Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as the weekly “Let’s Get Fresh” blog on Connect-Bridgeport and the BFM Web site www.bridgeportfarmersmarket.com.

 

“We’re going to be changing up the blog a little,” Workman said. “Bob (Workman) will still be a contributor, but two of our volunteers will take over, focusing on our 10^th season and looking back a little bit on how the market started, as well as visiting our vendors – going to their workshops, farms and bakeries and getting a behind-the-scenes look.”