Welcome!
This is the very first newsletter the Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market has ever published and
being a fan of the OBFM, you are one of the first to receive it! The market has been in
operation since 2013 and has grown and evolved over time to become a hub of activity and
resources every Saturday morning for locals and visitors alike. Awareness of the value of
shopping local and in so doing supporting small businesses owned by local citizens, has
grown. Thanks to our community, even at this challenging time, the market is thriving, and
there is so much good news to share; we just couldn’t keep it all to ourselves! Hence, the idea of
a newsletter was born.
We plan to use this monthly publication to keep you informed of stories large and small,
things that might be of interest to you as a market fan. We expect to celebrate our market
community which includes you: vendors, volunteers, Friends of the OBFM, shoppers,
community leaders, and other interested folks. We'd be happy to hear from you with
suggestions, ideas, or even an article of your own. Just send them to me at
oldebeaufortfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
We also expect to enjoy every minute of sharing with you, keeping you informed of market
news! We encourage you to visit our FB page and our website:
oldebeaufortfarmersmarket.org for daily and up-to-date posts and photos for a taste of market
joy.
Thank you for being a part of the OBFM family!
Message from the Mayor
"I always look forward to my weekly trips to the Olde Beaufort Farmers Market.
In the midst of challenges that include storms, pandemics, and toxic politics, the farmers market
is a safe haven where we can enjoy each other’s company and the extraordinary farm produce,
seafood, artisan goods, and music. The market has rapidly become part of the fabric of our
Beaufort community where we can thrive together, laugh together, and occasionally cry
together. Under the beautiful live oak trees, the Olde Beaufort Farmers Market Board,
vendors, and visitors share a common bond of striving for a healthy, prosperous, creative,
and fun culture in Beaufort and Carteret County. What a great community!"
Congratulations Garrett !
At the market on June 27th, we held a very special ceremony for Garrett Cawman, a
graduating senior at East Carteret High School, who was presented a scholarship which he
earned through his participation in the OBFM Intern/Scholarship Program.
This program is in its third year of existence and rewards graduating seniors from the county
high schools with scholarships based on volunteer service of at least 30 hours at the market
on Saturday mornings. Funds for this program have been raised through the OBFM’s annual
Farm to Table and Sea to Table Dinners.
Garrett, the son of Heidi, a market volunteer, and Doug Cawman, performed far beyond
expectations during his tenure. He took personal initiative to help out in any way possible with
market operations and he became a well-loved and appreciated part of the market family.
The OBFM hopes that the $3,000 scholarship which we awarded Garrett will help him with
college costs, encourage him to reach for his dreams, and to fondly remember the time he spent
at the market on the courthouse grounds on Saturday mornings.
Congratulations Garrett and best wishes from the Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market!
Safe Market
Little did any of us know what 2020 had in store for us personally or for the market. In
response to the emerging pandemic and in collaboration with Beaufort Mayor Rett Newton,
we decided to open the market on May 2nd after a couple of prior Saturdays of using the
courthouse grounds as a pickup spot for preordered products.
After studying safe operation procedures being used by other markets and being guided by
the NC Dept. of Agriculture which is in charge of all the state farmers markets, we put
together a plan which we felt would keep our vendors and our shoppers safe. This plan now
includes wide spacing of vendor tents and placing farmers and foodies on the main market
drive for easy access for shoppers looking to shop and go. Artisans occupy the grassy areas
on the grounds. From the beginning the market has strongly encouraged shoppers to wear
masks, even though shopping in an outdoor venue such as ours is very safe. The market has
even provided masks to those who need them. We have multiple handwashing stations
equipped with soap and paper towels for folks to frequently use and we are encouraging
social distancing in all areas of the market. Vendors have also created ways to handle cash
and credit cards safely
With August upon us, we have settled into an operating plan which is keeping everyone as safe.
We are so happy to be able to continue to provide homegrown, homemade, and handmade
goods from local farmers, foodies, and artisans. These include fresh veggies, meats, other
farm products such as honey and eggs, along with delicious homemade food including fresh
breads, ready-to-eat dishes, scrumptious desserts and other great things to eat. We also have
beautiful, whimsical, quality, amazing creations from artists and craftspeople.
Ultimately the OBFM aims to provide a safe environment for our community folks who value
shopping local, eating well, and supporting small businesses to purchase healthy food and
other products from local citizens. We are all in this together.
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Masks for Everyone
We began our mask making program back when the market opened this year and had no
idea how it would grow! Early in the season a team of market volunteers, including Lynn
Poray, Terri Thomas, Janice Cheek, and Daria Waples, came forward to make masks for us
to distribute to folks coming into the market without one. We also had an idea that the
donations folks wanted to give for the masks could be passed on to local food banks to help
feed hungry folks in the county and to help support the market too.
At this point the OBFM has contributed a little over $2,500 to food pantries, including Loaves
& Fishes, The Storehouse Food Bank, Hope Mission, ACTS Food Pantry, North River Food
Pantry, and the Lighthouse Church Community Food Pantry. Donations on a bimonthly
basis are also helping to purchase paper towels, soap, and hand sanitizer along with other items
necessary for market operation. We are amazed at how this idea has grown into a program
that is helping so many!
Food Donations
Carteret County now has its own local food council which has a Food Waste and Recovery
Program. The goal of this program is to address food insecurity in our county by locating
excess produce and food to redistribute to local food pantries. Farmers and foodies in the
market are helping out by donating any food they have not sold at each market. JW Merrell
Farm, Crystal Coast Desserts, Turner St. Market, and the Farm at Bogue have all contributed
quality, delicious food that is delivered to local food banks after the market each Saturday. We
are very happy to be a part of this effort by the Carteret County Food Council.
"Tic Tac Tomatoes"
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"Reclaim, Recycle, Rejoice"
"Garlicky Geometry"
Have Your Pick
Every year since 2017 the market has offered a collectible poster, designed and created by
Cindy Bunch, Market Manager. "The idea came to mind because our market is so full of
lovely sights around the courthouse grounds on Saturday mornings that need to be captured
for folks to enjoy! Working from a photo, fooling around with it on the computer, and designing
an information block below that works with the vibe of the photo is so fun and challenging."
Well, this year, the choice of one poster was impossible to make, even after an informal FB
poll asking for viewers’ favorite, so we decided to produce all 3 posters for sale! That way
shoppers can pick the one they love the most, or maybe two, or maybe all three if they also
can’t decide! The posters can be purchased without a frame for $10 each or with a nice plain
white frame for $25. Come make your choice and take home a little piece of the market.
New Board Member
We are happy to announce that Liz Kopf,
owner of Backstreet Pub and Turner St.
Market, has joined our Board of Directors!
She says: "I have always loved the OBFM!
Being a participant at the Market with my
business has only enhanced that love!
I am so excited to serve on the Board and to
encourage others to support the OBFM -
which I believe to be such a wonderful
resource for our community. It provides
nourishment for both the body and the
soul. What better than coming to shop
for quality food and crafts while connecting
with your friends and neighbors in such a
beautiful setting? I am truly honored to
serve on the Board! "
Liz, we are so happy to have you onboard!
Vendors in the Spotlight
The OBFM is fortunate to have many devoted farmers, foodies, and artisans in its vendor
family! Each month we plan to highlight several vendors just so you can get to know them a
little better. Knowing the vendor behind the products is one of the wonderful advantages of
shopping local!
Joe Merrell: JW Merrell Farm
"We are the oldest active century farmer in Carteret County. This is the 59th year my father, Johnnie, has been farming full time. I have been working, on the farm since I was a little kid. We specialize in collards but have a diverse line of crops we grow. We take pride in growing fresh vegetables for our many retail and restaurant customers. We also enjoy seeing our farmers’ market family every Saturday. We now offer home deliveries to the Beaufort area. Check us out at:
Janet Piper: Beaufort Apothecary
"To be able to formulate, make and sell my
own plant based products that are people
and earth friendly is a dream come true. To
be able to sell these products, along with
such a group of talented artisans, bakers
and farmers, at the Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market makes the hard work more than worthwhile. The support of our community
and customers, both local and not so local,
has been incredible. I hope to be a part of
this loving, welcoming community for many years to come."
Beaufort Apothecary:
Lou Ann Sekely: Alpacas of the Crystal Coast
Established in 2004 by Lou Ann and Dave Sekely; based in Ocean, NC.
Our herd started with 3 pregnant females
and 3 crias. We have since grown to our present size of 10 males and 10 females.
"We made a decision early on to focus on
the fiber side of the alpaca business. We began branching out, exploring markets
and expanding our reach. We have established our presence at the Old
Beaufort Farmers Market. We can also be found at the New Bern Farmers Market and various local craft shows throughout the
year.
Our best advertisers are our customers. Customers are amazed at the warmth, and softness of alpaca. We sell a range of
products from socks, gloves and scarves to alpaca dryer balls and manure. The
amazing, luxurious, affordable and locally raised alpaca products are available at
your local Farmers Market's. Find us under
the live oaks at the Beaufort Court Farmers market. We can also be reached by phone or website:
www.alpacasofthecrystalcoast.com or 252-503-8948"
Barbara & Steve Gilchrist:
Green Truck Coffee
For the past ten years, Green Truck Coffee
of Swansboro has been committed to
providing fresh roasted coffee on a weekly basis to residents of and visitors to Coastal North Carolina. "We started roasting to
provide our own fresh coffee for our
espresso machine and ended up with a
serious husband and wife team business.
We ship our coffee all over the US as well
as various countries. We are proud to
supply on a weekly basis fresh roasted
coffee to Bake, Bottle and Brew in
Swansboro, and the Beaufort Farmers’
Market under the stately old live oak trees where we provide hot and cold drinks as
well, some made with our cold brewed
coffee and where we get to meet many interesting and friendly people who are
other vendors and customers. We still
roast to order in small batches in our back
yard and continue to enjoy the smiles of
folks who appreciate a great cup of fresh roasted coffee either cold or hot!"
Green Truck Coffee:
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My Market Meal #mymarketmeal
Have you noticed that we have a fun new social media
activity lately? It’s called #mymarketmeal.
Here’s how it works: When you shop at the market, snap a picture of all those
great purchases. Then when you make your meal snap another picture of the dish.
Share them on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #mymarketmeal. Like the
market Facebook page and tag us with @oldebeaufortfarmersmarket
in your post. We’ll share your creations on our Facebook page to show off your skills! Be
sure to look for our reminder posts with the #mymarketmeal graphic and let’s have some fun
sharing culinary ideas!
This month’s feature is: “Blackened Shrimp Tacos with fresh
Pico De Gallo and Chipotle Lime Aioli”
submitted by Rachel Wert. This is quick and easy summer cooking and it looks so
tasty! This includes local fresh shrimp, heirloom tomatoes, peppers, onions and microgreens.
We look forward to seeing your posts!
Many thanks to Suzy Lewis, OBFM Social Media Maven, for her work creating and publishing
our newsletter!