The Beaumont Farmers Market made its first return in the new year Saturday at the Beaumont Athletic Complex. Thirteen local vendors saw a consistent flow of folks looking to buy local products all throughout the morning, and many shoppers were glad to see the market back after a brief hiatus in December.
For customers like Cheryl Plott, shopping at the Beaumont Farmers Market is a tradition she’s been following for the past three years. Plott, a Beaumont resident, was excited as she picked up some fresh local produce..
”I was really happy to have it back so soon,” Plott said. “It’s always good to have fresh vegetables and local produce.”
With the pandemic ravaging the state and the country over the course of the last 10 months, the same coronavirus protocols were in place as last year. Masks were required while shopping and all products ranging from produce to beauty products were only handled by vendors.
For veteran vendors like Bill Taylor, who has been a part of the market since its 2010 inception, the new year brings new opportunities to sell his fresh produce. Taylor, a farmer from Kirbyville, had the help of his sister-in-law as he sold his fresh vegetables. As a result of the pandemic, Taylor said he’s had to make some changes when selling his produce.
“We can’t have the vendors in the center (of the basketball court) like we normally do, and we don’t have the normal crowd that would be here,” Taylor said. “We have to cut down on the handling of the produce. We try to bag everything we can ahead of time.”
The year also brings the first time in the market’s history to have a paid manager. Rebekah Maxwell, who was selected by the board of directors, started her position this month. Maxwell, a Beaumont native, said in a statement that she was excited to be a part of the nonprofit organization.
“The market is an extremely positive asset to our community and allows local farmers, ranchers and artisans a venue to sell their products,” Maxwell said in the statement. “I want to invite everyone in Southeast Texas to visit us as the Beaumont Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. You can find locally grown produce, locally raised beef, and hand made products to enjoy at home.”
Maxwell’s past experiences include marketing, community relations and nonprofit volunteerism.
Unlike last year, vendors like Taylor hopes the continued distribution of a coronavirus vaccine will help bring a semblance of normalcy back to the market before the end of the year.
The market is run by volunteers and operates every Saturday through mid-December.
jorge.ramos@beaumontenterprise.com
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