May 19, 2013
All in all it wasn't a bad season for wiregrass farmers.
They were out there working hard to offer fresh local produce, but- as you can imagine-- some items were more popular than others...
"The hottest selling item we had out here was watermelons... we sold a lot of watermelons out here." Says David Allen Bell, part owner of Bell’s Farm.
Fresh summertime favorites were plentiful at the Houston County farm center these past couple months, but now its time to say goodbye.
Customers piled in for their last chance to stock up.
"I enjoy coming out here early in the morning to look for fruits and vegetables and they always have good products and all of them are real nice and helpful and respectful and my wife and I enjoyed coming out here to get things as fresh as possible plus support our local farmers." Says Janasky Fleming, a regular customer of the farmer’s market.
To cater to all kinds of customers, farmers brought a variety of produce to their tables this year.
"Aplin farms sell cantaloupes and they sell a lot of tomatoes also. We have an older man from Cottonwood who specializes in okra, that's all he'll bring to the market. We also had one organic who sold all organic produce. We had a good variety here." Says Bell.
As fall creeps up, apples and pumpkins will be the talk of the town.
Most farmers have their customers visit the farm directly to pick out the best ones.
"After the market shuts down, you will have to contact each individual farmer on your own by the phone or by visiting their farm to see what they have left."
Those who participated say they had a good year at the market and only shut down because they were out of produce to sell.
They’ll be back next may with fresh fruits and vegetables for locals.
"We always have a lot of fun out here no matter how hot it gets."
And of course your shot at fresh produce isn't over yet...
There is another market still running in Dothan at the first Assembly of God on highway 84 W.
That market is open Thursdays from 3 to 6 p-m and should be running until august 28th.
Organizers are working on plans for another market that will be held next year at Poplar Head Park in Dothan.
