In many ways, Bridgeport Farmers Market’s winter market is like the summer market series. The venue will offer plenty of seasonal, West Virginia-grown products and the unique wares of Mountain State artisans.

 

What is different is the location and there is a slight variation on the times of operation.

 

Opening for the first time this season, the winter market debuts Sunday inside Bridgeport Conference Center. Held monthly, the market is open 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. Sunday’s market is being billed as a Thanksgiving market – and for good reason.

 

“People can come and get a lot of their food items for the big day,” said Debbie Workman of the BFM board of directors.

 

Thanks to high-tunnel growing, there will be seasonal produce available.

 

“Tomatoes are still growing in high tunnels, which is phenomenal, and we’ll have lots of peppers coming in, as well as root veggies like potatoes, carrots and turnips,” Workman said.

 

And, of course, the market will offer farm-raised meats, including grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, lamb and rabbit. Those who pre-ordered turkeys can pick them up this Sunday at the market and those who want to pre-order for Christmas can do so.

 

“People can also stock up on their farm-fresh eggs as there has been no market for five weeks,” Workman said. “We’ll also have baked goods. People can find holiday pies and other desserts.”

A very large array of West Virginia artisans provides good opportunity to begin holiday shopping. Gloves and other winter accessories by Patty's Paca Products, Jewelry by Way Way Beads, clothing and accessories by Feathered, coffee blends by Quantum Bean and kitchen items by Jughead Pottery are but a few of the many selections.  

 

Bridgeport Conference Center will be cooking up Sunday Brunch, complete with a Bloody Mary bar. Music will be provided by Hillary Kay, who will be the market’s staple musician through the winter months.

 

“We also have Riversong Spa doing free yoga session at noon in one of the Conference Center areas, so we encourage people to come,” Workman said. “The session is for all levels. Though some extra mats will be available, we’re asking people to bring their own yoga mat, towel and bottle of water.”

 

The market also provides opportunity for the community to unite for an important outreach project.

 

“We’re having our food drive this Sunday so we encourage everybody to bring one non-perishable food item,” Workman said.

 

The food drive will continue in December. All items collected will be donated to Shepherd’s Corner and ultimately dispensed to those in need.

Starting in December, the winter market will be held the second Sunday of each month. Up next is the Dec. 10 Ugly Christmas Market, always a holiday hit, Workman said.