Bridgeport Farmers Market believes in eating less from a box and eating more from the earth. Based on the farm-to-table initiative, that healthy advice is offered with plenty of homegrown resources to back it up.

 

Throughout the summer/fall season, BFM hosts weekly market events at Bridgeport’s Charles Pointe. During winter months, the organization holds monthly indoor winter markets on site at Bridgeport Conference Center. Before launching the new summer season on May 18, BFM will host its last winter market 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, April 6.

 

“We are urging people to stock up on the essentials this week - six weeks before the next market,” said BFM President Debbie Workman.  “All of our vendors will be using those six weeks to prepare for our sixth regular season. They will be planting, growing, processing and baking - and the artisans will be busy making products.”

 

Residents can stock up on their protein needs – from grass-fed beef to farm-raised chicken, pork, lamb, rabbit and quail. All of those products come from local growers including Hawthorne Valley Farms and Shipley’s Forest Hill Farm. Offering lettuces and other leafy produce will be Green Acres Farms. The grower will feature its ever-popular salad bowls, planters filled with lettuce varieties.

 

“Pick your own at home to make your salad,” Workman said.

 

Making its debut BFM appearance, Lazy J Farm of Upshur County will feature a realm of gluten-free products - from cornmeal and pancake mixes to buckwheat, oat and whole-wheat flour. Also brand new to the market this Sunday is Bubble and Geek Candles & Scents of Bridgeport, offering for purchase unique soy candles.

 

For those anticipating the growing of their own crops and flowers, West Fork Pottery will have a booth, selling - among other items - hand-made clay planters in various sizes and earth tones. With Easter right around the corner, vendor Laura Morgan will not only bring pasture-raised chickens and farm-fresh eggs, she will also be selling Ezekiel bread and handcrafted blown eggs. Adorned with modern, sophisticated design, the decorative eggs are perfect for the Easter table, Workman said.

 

As excited as organizers are about this Sunday’s last indoor market, they are perhaps even more excited about the May 18 summer market debut. Live music is being lined up with artists including Bridgeport’s Rus Reppert and “The Masons” of Grafton. This summer’s market season will see an increased number of cooking demonstrations, possibly one each week, Workman said.  

 

Look for Bob Workman's "Let's Get Fresh" blog.