I am looking forward to Sundays on the Island In Madison County, North Carolina coming soon! It's still cold, so the Farmers' Market is indoors (see flyer and note below.)
But I can hardly wait to find vocal streams, rolling pastures, welcoming "coves" and unending vistas that take your breath away as I head out in Spring, 2010 to the Madison County farmers market (see photos.)
There's a spirit of community here. Camaraderie. Inclusiveness. A sense of place and a sense of belonging, all exemplified in the weekly tailgate markets. .It is all about Reconnecting with the Land; Meeting the People. Again... Heaven-on-Earth...For those of us who live and work here, that's how it can feel.
Today I'm taking you on a short drive north of Asheville, NC (about 18 minutes) to the tailgate market in Marshall, NC.Look out your window as we drive the scenic (excellently maintained) country roads. Do you see tobacco crops? Quite a few of them, actually? . That's because Madison County is the largest burley tobacco producing county in North Carolina. In fact, there are approximately 2,350 farms with burley tobacco quotas.
A decade ago, burley tobaccoaccounted for $10 to $12 million for agriculture income annually. But recently, as you may suspect, the demand for tobacco has been on the decline. Not to be defeated, local farmers have become cre
ative. Crops are changing, and farmers are diversifying, and we are moving into sustainable agriculture.
That is one reason why Marshall's tailgate market exists.
And wait until you see where it is located. (see photos I took during my tailgate market visit)
Under huge, old trees, the Marshall tailgate market decorates the banks of the French Broad River every Sunday during the season.
Park your car and walk over to the colorful tents, produce, crafts...and PEOPLE!
Today expect to meet a master craftsman, a gourmet meatball sandwich chef, some political activists, musicians and local growers.
It's a community get-together where laughter and good-things abound. We will be able to enjoy the harvests of the most amazing ORGANIC crops.
Sundays on the Island
Cross the river at the Courthouse on Main Street
Marshall, Madison County
Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Starts April 20, 2008
Meatball Sandwich, Anyone?
MMmmmmmm! Dee-lish-UHsss!
In the meantime, you and I can stop by Madison County Cooperative Extension Saturday (10am-2pm) to pick up some winter veggies, delicious breakfast, crafts, goat cheese and more for the Winter, 2010 Indoor Tailgate Market cur every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month in January, February and March.
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There's a spirit of community here. Camaraderie. Inclusiveness. A sense of place and a sense of belonging, all exemplified in the weekly tailgate markets. .It is all about Reconnecting with the Land; Meeting the People. Let me know when you will be arriving ...
janeAnne, So true. A place where everyone is welcomed as family. I will visit them this saturday! Leslie
Leslie~
This is such a good point. You commented, " A place where everyone is welcomed as family" Possibly we all hunger for that special connection...even more than for those incredible coconut cupcakes and still-warm raspberries from local farms.
janeanne...it sounds like a truly wonderful event where you feel the true essence of the community!
You know the very best places to go to touch the heart of living,
Diane~
You expressed it so well... " feel the true essence of the community..." and that I did. It is something I wish for all of us.
Arlene~
I didn't know you were a poet-ess...You commented, " You know the very best places to go to touch the heart of living..." And that comment not only is is poetic , but aptly expresses exactly what it felt like to me at this tailgate market.
Janeanne:
I guess what really makes Asheville such a neat place to live is that there are at least 6 other tail gate markets all around the area. Have not made it to the Marshall one but frequently visit the ones at the French Broad CO-OP and Greenlife grocery store.
Meatball sandwich! Looks like something I'd love to go to...produce, crafts, food and more!
Haven't been to that tailgate market yet janeAnne, but I've met some of the farmers you probably saw there. I've explored quite a few aMaZing organic farms in the greater marshall area! There really is a strong sense of community there, and I just keep hearing more good things about it every day!
janeAnne,
I'm a vegetarian....how you made the meatball sandwich sound soo good that I found myself actually wanting one!
I can't believe how green it is there.....do you have winter at all? I thought the south was getting snow and freezing temps this year?
Jo
Jo~
I am looking forward to the outdoor market in a month or so. In the meantime, the Indoor Tailgate market is a fine possibility...