By Brynna Williamson
You may not believe this, but springtime has indeed come again.
There are all sorts of poems about this time of the year—the beautiful, rainy, sunshiny days, when life starts blooming again and you just feel like things are going to be okay. When people start emerging from the frigid air of their houses, putting on—wonder of wonders—t-shirts again instead of old, thick sweaters, and start making plans for a new garden.
If you’re “waking up” from the sleepiness of our Wood County, Texas winter, and you’re finding yourself wondering what juicy, fresh-cut corn tastes like, or where you can find a perfectly ripe tomato for the first good salad of the year, or where you can buy hypo-allergenic soap, let me tell you.
Two words, friends: Farmers markets. They’re here at last.
Mineola Farmers Market
You know where that pretty covered gazebo is next to downtown Mineola, Texas? No, not the one with the tables and chairs, where they put the Christmas tree in December, the one next to the playground, next door to the train station.
Yeah, that one. The “pavilion.”
It’s so pretty, isn’t it? With its whitewashed rail fence, big, open feel, and the sounds of kids playing right next to it on the brand-new playground, the covered spot is cool (literally) and relaxing.
Now imagine how pretty it is when local farmers bring their fresh-grown produce, steaming hot bread, organic soaps, handmade cloths, and more there every Saturday morning from May to October. From 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., vendors of many different types of products come and bring their wares for people to peruse and purchase.
Mineola also features another farmers market, which is held at Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms. This beloved farmers market is attended by vendors and farmers from all across Wood County, Texas and is held every Thursday night from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. From fresh-baked peanut butter cookies to sourdough bread, fresh produce, and even meat, attendees just might find something they’re looking for at the Bob Wells/Sorelle Farms market.
Quitman Farmers Market
You may have heard recently that Quitman’s Farmers Market is no longer running. While that’s partially true (the group functioning as the “Sunday Market in Quitman Park” is no longer in existence), don’t you worry. Quitman has pulled through to bring you a new farmers market—and this one truly goes above and beyond!
This group meets in the parking lot of Origin Bank in Quitman and brings around 20 vendors to the proverbial “table.” Some of the items sold at the Quitman Farmers and Artisans Market include plants, fresh honey, herbal products, custom fishing lures, dog treats, and fresh food of many types!
They’re open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
What really makes this market unique, however, is their “extras.” Once a month, the Quitman Farmers and Artisans Market—which is run by the vendors themselves—holds a “special event” to make everyone across Wood County and beyond feel welcome and have fun. In March, beloved local singer Dale Cummings performed; in April, board members offered a petting zoo of llamas, a bounce house, and even a local photographer to come out and offer photo sessions before Easter; and in May, they want to take time to honor veterans.
“We’re trying to make it something that’s really just good for the community overall,” said Dawn Trammell, the chair of the board.
Winnsboro Farmers Market
The Winnsboro Farmers Market is all about being local, local, local. From its vendors (surprise—they are locals) to their food (it’s local,, too) to their location (in the heart of downtown Winnsboro), the Winnsboro Farmers Market is all about its citizens.
It’s really quite organized, too. The Winnsboro market features several covered pavilions and literally, so much variety. There are dog treats, cute little homemade cakes, fresh-cut bouquets, jellies, jams, breads, candies, and much more. They even have a vendor that often sells homemade pasta in a variety of flavors!
According to a quote on their website, the market is “a charming event that takes place in the downtown arts district. A backdrop of the arts district and live music creates a festive atmosphere and a fulfilling time.”
The Winnsboro Farmers Market is open from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon every Saturday from April to October.
It, and all of the other Wood County, Texas markets listed above, are honestly the kind of places where the sun feels like it’s shining, and you breathe air a little easier, and there always seems to be a nice breeze blowing. You just feel better at a farmers market!
So get out. Feel the sunshine. Talk with people. Eat some healthy food. Buy some flowers. Smell the clean, beautiful dirt, and appreciate that local farmers took the time to bring their products straight to you.
Enjoy yourself! For more information, contact the Mineola Chamber of Commerce: 903-569-2087 or admin@mineolachamber.org; Bob Wells Nursery / Sorelle Farms: 430-205-4757 or info@sorellefarms.com; Quitman Farmers Market: 903-850-4021 or 7acreshomestead@gmail.com; Winnsboro Farmers Market: 903-440-5392 or farmersmarket@winnsborotexas.com.