Lenoir County Farmers Market to open early for the season on April 11
Fresh strawberries, turnip greens, baked goods, local granola and handmade goods will all be part of the first market day of the season when the Lenoir County Farmers Market opens Friday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 N. Heritage St. in Kinston.
The market, which includes a three-bay building for weekly vendors as well as the community commercial and display kitchen, opens a little earlier than originally planned and will once again bring together local farmers, food vendors and makers in downtown Kinston.
For some vendors, the market is also a way to bring the farm closer to customers who may not be able to travel.
“We have been taking our produce to the farmers market for many years,” said Kim Smith of TC Smith. “We have long time customers that have been faithful to us. Some people can’t get out to our farm due to the distance, so we bring the farm to them. We will have strawberries, turnip greens, asparagus, and sweet potatoes this weekend.”
Pat Jenkins of Holy Granola said her product is made with all-natural, locally baked, preservative-free ingredients, with a portion of each sale supporting youth programs at First Presbyterian Church in Kinston.
Teri Johnson said she will offer wreaths, floral arrangements, decor, flags, pillows, shirts, Libby glasses, shot glasses, paint palettes, small to medium signs, decorative glass blocks and handmade jewelry.
“The community and the Farmer’s Market will strengthen local economies and businesses by shopping locally,” Johnson said. “Also provides access to healthier foods and local family farms.”
Julie Babbin of Julie Babbin Catering said she will also highlight something new at the market this season: the opportunity for visitors to take part in a University of Mount Olive sweetpotato survey at the kitchen.
Babbin said she will have lemon posset, individual rum cakes, traditional sweetpotato casserole, rosemary round bread, purple and cream-colored sweetpotatoes, cantaloupe bread and zucchini bread available for shoppers.
“There’s something new and exciting this year,” Babbin said. “People can come by the kitchen and be part of the UMO sweetpotato survey. I’ll also have lemon posset, individual rum cakes, traditional sweetpotato casserole, rosemary round bread, purple and cream-colored sweetpotatoes, cantaloupe bread and zucchini bread.”
Local writer Kristy Kelly said she will also be at the market with soaps, chutney and books.
“The Lenoir County Farmer’s Market is one of our most underutilized resources as a city, and as a county,” Kelly said. “With food insecurity throughout eastern North Carolina, we’re blessed to have such a staple in our hometown.”
Rodney’s Pork Skins, a local product frequently available at the market, has also become a familiar favorite for many shoppers.
Looking ahead, vendor Barbara Gibbons is expected to be at the market next Tuesday with eggs.
