Mark the date on your calender! The Sandhill Farmers’ Market will hold a special HOLIDAY FARMERS’ MARKET on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, across from the Village at Sandhill at 900 Clemson Road. The time will be from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (A rain date has been set for Thursday, December 16)
Come to the market and visit your favorite farmers and vendors for the last time this year! Make your holiday cooking extra-special by using our delicious, locally-grown fresh foods. The market will be bigger and better than ever, with new vendors selling holiday items. And remember, supporting your local-based food systems may be the best way to economic recovery!
Not only will you discover locally-grown winter vegetables like collards and other greens, squash, sweet potatoes and apples, but you will be able to purchase local handmade crafts – ideal for holiday gifts. The market will also offer seasonal plants, homemade breads and baked goods, homemade soap, stone ground grits, rice, eggs, butter, cheese, gift baskets, and beautiful blankets and wool products.
The Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening and landscape questions and will give out soil sample bags for soil analysis. You may bring a plant for them to examine. They will have gardening gloves for sale. Special thanks to Bryce Haywood, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, and all of the Master Gardeners who volunteer their time at the Sandhill Farmers Market.
Vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist Keith Tracy will provide holiday cheer in the form of his festive music. Remember to let Keith know how much you enjoy the music and tips are appreciated. Keith is available to play for senior adult residences, parties and other events. He also has a CD available for only $9.00. http://www.keithtracylivemusic.com.
Two regular vendors at the Sandhill Holiday Market recently received cash awards from the S.C. Department of Agriculture’s “Promotions That Sell” Contest, which was open to S.C. farmers’ market vendors who are S.C. Certified. Entrants were judged on the appearance and content of their market display. Congratulations Kathy and Anne!
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Kathy McCaskill, Old McCaskill’s Farm
First Place winner: Kathy McCaskill, Old McCaskill’s Farm of Rembert, SC. Kathy sells lamb, pork, goat, cheese, eggs, pelts, yarn, blankets, hats and other woolen products from her sheep.
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Anne Hester of the Soap Deli
Second place winner: Anne Hester (and Branham) from the Soap Deli in Prosperty, SC. They sell natural, handmade soap.
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MARKET NOTES:
- So, what’s in season in South Carolina now? Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collard greens, kale, leeks, lettuce, cultivated mushrooms, parsnips, pecans, winter squash, sweet potatoes, turnips.
- Driving Tips: Park only in designated areas at the market. There are marked handicap spaces. Please watch for small children, drive slowly and do not drive in front of vendor tents or park in vendor spaces. Vendors or volunteers will be glad to help you carry a heavy purchase if you ask.
- When you exit the market to Clemson Road, please be sure to stop at the light with your wheels on the orange block so the traffic light will change. Also note that there are two lanes for getting onto Clemson Road.
- Some vendors proudly display a Certified SC Grown sign. They have been certified with the SC Dept. of Agriculture that they grow or produce certain crops, plants or products, and meet certain standards.
- Read what’s going on at the Clemson Sandhill Research and Education Center. The Facebook address is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clemson-Sandhill-Research-and-Education-Center/153969931266?ref=mf
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CABBAGE PHOTO © BY SUSAN FULLER SLACK.
VENDOR PHOTOS BY JUDY GASKIN
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A TASTE OF CAROLINA 
