Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
The Avon Farmer’s Market has kicked off again. Every Tuesday, from June through September, between 4 to 7 p.m., local vendors congregate in the south parking lot of the Avon Hendricks Regional Health Building off of US Hwy 36 to sell fresh produce, baked goods and unique handcrafted items.
Tuwanna Roberson, owner of Louise’s Sweets, has been a vendor at the market for three years, selling marshmallow pops, bubblegum necklaces, gourmet flavored Oreos and caramel and chocolate-covered pretzel rods.
“I started this business full-time in 2013 and always enjoy being out at the market, interacting with folks,” Roberson says.
Avon resident Debby Connor likes shopping the market because she appreciates the homemade and homegrown quality of the products.
“The fresh produce tastes great,” Connor says. “The candles I get here always burn wonderfully and smell fantastic. And I often see neighbors when I’m shopping.”
Customers say they like to support the local economy, which is why many, like Josh Graves and his daughter, Mariah, are weekly shoppers.
“We’ve come regularly for the past three years,” Josh says. “I like the fact that so many vendors sell non-GMO and organic products.”
“I like the honey sticks!” Mariah adds.
The Graves frequent the vendor booths for artisanal savory doggie treats, homemade candles and, of course, the mouth-watering produce.
Vendor Sarah Coffey of Becky’s Market Farm in Lebanon is a family representative for Becky’s Market Farm, a business that formed in 1968 by Coffey’s great-grandfather.
“My grandma, Becky Hawkins, started out growing flowers,” Coffey says. “Now we sell asparagus, strawberries, sweet corn, watermelon and cantaloupe.”
The market offers a wide variety of items, including specialty desserts, craft jerky, tie-dyed t-shirts and tasty jams and jellies. In addition, there are fragrant flowers, kettle corn, beads, bread, pretzels, soap and body butter — truly something for everyone.
Pat Lenne says she likes to snoop around for things that you can’t find at a grocery store.
Carole, who was circling the market, cradling her little white dog Emma, agrees.
“I just like looking for something different,” she says.
