Chincoteague Island .Net

The Historic Main Street Merchants are sponsoring a Farmer’s Market on Chincoteague Island. 2008 is the fourth year for the market. The market will be held during the Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 19 from noon until 4:00 p.m. behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant next to the Robert Reed downtown park. The Farmer’s Market will continue on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon through October (weather permitting).

The market will include produce, seafood, plants (bedding plants, garden plants, landscaping plants and house plants), baked goodies, jams & jellies and pet treats! If you have questions about what can be grown here on the Eastern Shore, stop by the market and check with Master Gardner, Dolly Foustino. Dolly has bedding plants, other plants, veggies and flowers. Organic or locally grown questions direct to James Sarley owner of Solitude Farm and check out his organically grown produce and plants. Flowers and plants are available from Ray Fefken, Waters Edge Greenhouses and Walter Cox, Evergreen Growers. Local produce is available from Pereyra Farms.

In season there may be strawberries, tomatoes, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, melons and so much more! During peach season, Carl Sanders from Machipongo, will have a nice selection of fresh peaches. Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask about clams, check with our local clam farmer, Chip Lewis. Live lobsters are available from Seaside Enterprises Inc. (you can’t get more fresh than alive!) No time to bake? The Blue Rag Bread Man has delicious homemade breads. Also check out Dora’s or Mary’s wonderful bakes goodies plus jams, jellies and conserves. In addition, Howle Naturale has treats for pets.

Buying local foods isn’t just a great way to have delicious, fresh and nutritious food; it is also good for the environment. Supporting local agriculture helps keep local farms more profitable, ensuring open space for our community to appreciate. Visitors can reach the market by walking, biking, automobile or boat (the market is located next to the transient boat docks where you can dock while you shop). The market is still looking for vendors AND visitors. Questions may be directed to Cathy at 757-336-2610.