Farmers market opens in Marinatown
A little rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the North Fort Myers Civic Association nor the hundreds who came out for the grand opening of the farmers market at Marinatown on Friday.
More than two dozen vendors sold their wares to a public ready to buy fruits and vegetables, fudge, honey, soap, and even dog food.
County Commissioner Brian Hamman came to officially launch the event that will be a weekly happening at Marinatown from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from now until the end of March.
“It’s outstanding to see the community come out with so many fresh products here. It’s great people coming together to sell their own products that are locally grown,” Hamman said, adding that he planned to spend some money at the Happy Pickle.
Michael Land, president of the civic association, said this day was six months in the making, but well worth it.
“Our farms are among the strong points of North Fort Myers, so we want to get them in the loop and to come on board. This is a great opportunity for the farmers to promote their products,” Land said.
The market is expected to have some form of entertainment weekly, as well as a place to crafters to sell their products. There were also food trucks and other vendors that sold lunch items, popcorn and other goodies.
The market is also expected to give a boost to the restaurants on Marina town. Hoolihan’s will serve breakfast, with the others hoping to best customers from the post-market crowd.
Local Roots Farmer’s Markets, which runs some of the biggest markets in Lee County, runs this show as well, with the owners leaving the responsibility to their children, who were confident things would go without a hitch.
“I’ve been helping out since October and its fun. It’s cool to see all the people and they’re really humble and great to work with,” said Simms Ventura, whose mother, Betsy, owns Local Roots with Jean Baer. “I like the fact that what I’m getting is fresh and that I support the local business.”
“It’s great because it’s on the marina near the water and it’s on a road with good traffic,” Tyler Baer said. “I ran my own produce market for a year so I have a good understanding of it.”
But it’s the vendors who make the market. Kathy Stevenson, of Paradise Gourmet Healthy Pet Bakery which is based in Cape Coral, was selling doggie treats to those who brought their dogs.
“I have fresh-baked dog treats which are wheat-free and corn-free, as well as body parts. I get to meet the people in the neighborhood who buy local. The money stays in the community and it helps local people,” Stevenson said.
The market can’t survive without customers. Kim Hall, from North Fort Myers, is a big fan of them and expects this one to be a hit.
“It’s wonderful. It’s in a great location, it gives people an opportunity to go to a good farmer’s market without having to cross the river,” Hall said. “I think the coffee is the best and I like a guacamole.”