Grover Grafton was only 8 years old when he and his grandmother visited a greenhouse in Oregon, purchased a pumpkin plant and put it in the ground under her deck. The plant flourished. Grover went back home to Wyoming.

 

“My grandma sent me that fully-grown pumpkin in the mail,” he said. “And I fell in love with planting something and seeing it grow.”

 

Now 15 years old and living in Bridgeport, Grafton has his own garden and is the newest vendor at Bridgeport Farmers Market.

 

At the G-Macs Produce & Veggies tent, one can purchase tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and peppers. In the coming weeks, he will also add to his offerings onions, corn, sweet potatoes and, of course, pumpkins.

 

“I have a big garden, so I grow lots of stuff,” said Grafton, a sophomore at Bridgeport High School.

 

It was through his involvement with BHS Key Club that he became affiliated with Bridgeport Farmers Market, currently open Sundays in Charles Pointe.

 

“He came and worked the club’s recycling tent,” said Debbie Workman of BFM. “He told me he’d be back with vegetables to sell.”

 

His Bridgeport garden is new this year as Grafton and his family just relocated from Great Falls, Montana, to Bridgeport in February. But his gardening roots have been nurtured throughout the years and various individuals – including the young man who sold him the pumpkin plant several years ago – have served as inspiration.

 

Bridgeport Farmers Market is not the first with which Grafton has been affiliated. While living in Williston, North Dakota, he sold terrariums which he made himself.

 

“It just progressed from there,” he said. “Then I began growing my own garden and that morphed into me selling vegetables. I combined my two passions – growing and selling things.”

 

Grafton’s story is one of many that play a role in the success of Bridgeport Farmers Market. Workman said more than 60 vendors are affiliated with the market; approximately 42 represented every week. Since the market’s prime season started in May and the market opened weekly, the operation has taken place in the parking lot of the new Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau at Charles Pointe. The expanded space has been very favorable to the market, Workman said.

 

“The vendors like it and the customers like it. It allows us to spread out,” she said. “It’s easier for people to shop because they can see everything that’s happening and it allows us to add more vendors because we have the space.”

 

Another new market vendor is Ashley San Julian, an herbalist who does business as Gum’s Hollow Apothecary. In addition to all-natural body products, the Jane Lew-based vendor also carries herbal teas and holistic health items.

 

The market features a number of growers; those specializing in everything from vegetables to grass-fed beef and farm-fresh eggs. Bread bakers, including those with gluten-free offerings, jewelry makers and wood crafters are among other vendors.

 

Currently providing live music is vocalist/guitarist and BHS alum Nat Frederick. The market also features weekly chef demos. Doing the honors this Sunday will be Chef Dave Halterman of Sargasso Morgantown.

 

The market’s lunch vendors also continue to grow. Joining Bridgeport Conference Center, Mia Margherita, Hash Browns & New Grounds (Cody Thrasher), My Little Cupcake, Thyme Bistro and Rural Roots is Garcia’s Latin Market.

 

“They have a storefront on High Street and do authentic Mexican food including tacos and burritos,” Workman said. “They are very popular.”

 

Bridgeport Farmers Market is open 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Sundays.

 

In addition to shopping vendor tents, market goers can stop in at the BFM tent and purchase tickets for the third annual Wild & Wonderful Table; a multi-course plated event to take place Sept. 29. 

 

"It will be held 6-9 p.m. on the same Harrison County property where it was held last year," Workman said. "Tickets just went on sale last Sunday and are very limited. We're encouraging people to get them as quickly as possible."

 

The farm-to-table dinner will be prepared by Chef Mike Costello of Lost Creek Farms. Costello was previously featured on CNN's "Anthony Bourdain; Parts Unknown."  

 

"Mike has been a great market friend for years now," Workman said. "It will be an exceptional evening."

 

Tickets are $120 each or two for $200. The plated dinner will be complimented by wine, West Virginia craft beer, craft cocktails and live music by West Virginia musicians. All proceeds will benefit Bridgeport Farmers Market. For more information or to order tickets, visit bridgeportfarmersmarket.com.