2018 makes a baker’s dozen for Bluffton Farmers Market
 
When the Bluffton Farmers Market opens for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 5, it will mark a “baker’s dozen” for the cooperative sales venture featuring local produce, food products, and plants.

Located in the Citizens National Bank parking lot just south of 102 S. Main St., the market is held on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
 
Started in 2005, the market has grown in size and reputation. This year, some 20 vendors signed up for full-year reservations. They not only received a discounted rate, they are guaranteed a spot throughout the season, which runs from May 5 to Oct. 27.
 
The market draws vendors from several counties and is now getting calls for advice from markets in surrounding areas. Manager Greg Probst of Probst Family Farm, started as a maple syrup vendor. He is a seasonal staff member for the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, which provides non-profit status and marketing assistance.

The market also features monthly Storytime sessions for children by the Bluffton Public Library and live music. “Saturday morning is a great time to be in Bluffton,” says Probst; “The Farmers Market is a weekly social event, as well a great place to find excellent local products. It’s a lot more enjoyable and relaxing than shopping in a big box store.”

As the weeks go by, shoppers will find different products. Vendors have signed up to bring an amazing variety: Vegetables and fruits will include strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, corn, beans, peppers, squash, apples, and much more.

Plant vendors will be bringing vegetable starts, herbs, cut flowers, and annual and perennial bedding plants. Cottage food products include jams, condiments, and pickles; cinnamon rolls, granola bars, biscotti, pasta, breads including sourdough, middle eastern and Italian specialties, maple syrup and sugar, honey, yeast-free and gluten-free baked goods, and cinnamon-sugar glazed nuts.

Eggs and pasture-raised pork will also be for sale. Homemade personal care products will include goat’s milk soaps, lotions, and milk baths, and tallow soaps and lotions.

For more information about the Bluffton Farmers Market, contact the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or (419) 369-2985.