The winter has seemed endless to most, but here we are facing the next to the last Bridgeport Farmers Market winter event for 2013-2014. The March installment of “Winter Market” takes place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, inside Bridgeport Conference Center. 

 

"We are excited to wind down the winter market and get back outside," said Bridgeport Farmers Market President Deb Workman. "Our small farmers are busy planning for spring planting, but we will have a selection of locally-grown veggies this Sunday."

 

Included, Workman said, are assorted greens, lettuces, beets, potatoes and green onions. Market goers can also browse farm fresh eggs -  free of antibiotics, hormones and steroids. Also featured will be the market's usual large variety of farm-raised beef, chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, quail and goat, as well as baked goods, corn meal, jams, jellies, artisan wares, vintage items and natural beauty products. Just making its Bridgeport Farmers Market debut in February, Sharron’s Hickory Syrup – a maple syrup alternative made from hickory bark – will be among specialties available for purchase. 

 

Resident musician Rus Reppert will be providing his signature Appalachian tunes. Shoppers will have the option of purchasing brunch, prepared by the Conference Center staff. To download the menu, click HERE. Reservations can be made by calling 304-808-3000.

 

The final winter market will be held April 6. 

 

Workman said previous winter markets were successful and that she and other BFM organizers look forward to the last two indoor events of the season before transitioning into summer market, which debuts Sunday, May 18. Expect all the same seasonal produce and other locally-grown and locally-made items from summer 2013 – and more.

 

At the market’s usual outdoor marketplace at Charles Pointe, weekly cooking demos will also take place, Workman said. The summer season – which extends through October - will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Sunday.

 

Bridgeport Farmers Market’s first Community Dinner of the season will be held Monday, March 17 at Bridgeport Conference Center. Prepared with local foods, the St. Patrick’s Day feast begins at 6 p.m. Reppert will be on hand with his signature tunes and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at this Sunday’s market.

 

"Visit the BFM table and look for our volunteers sporting the blinking shamrock necklaces," Workman said.

 

Tickets can also be purchased by calling Workman at 304-669-4340 or emailing bridgeportfarmersmarket@yahoo.com. All dinner proceeds benefit Bridgeport Farmers Market.

 

Looking a little further down the road, the market will host its 4th Annual Country Roads Cook-Off on July 27.

 

Stay in tune with Bridgeport Farmers Market by reading Bob Workman’s “Let’s Get Fresh” blog.