Farmers market harvests success on opening day

Fresh strawberries sold out in less than an hour. People searched for more asparagus, turnips and lettuce, but vendors were out. 

More than 200 people visited the Sedalia Area Farmer’s Market by 10 a.m. Saturday to get their hands on fresh produce, baked goods and plants.

Dawn Hostetler, who grows strawberries northeast of Sedalia, said she sold out by 8:30 a.m. 

“We decided to raise strawberries to see if we could make a living out of it,” Hostetler said. Luckily, she decided to make cinnamon rolls to sell as well and plans to be back next weekend with more fresh berries.

Nine vendors sat up in the 100 block of West Main Street selling honey, crafts, flowers, tomatoes and other fresh produce. Children played with bubbles and visitors listened to live music as they shopped. 

Robin McKee, of Sedalia, visited the market looking for farm-fresh eggs, tomatoes and bread.

“I love it. I am so happy it’s finally opened,” McKee said.

McKee said she prefers to buy organic and locally produced food because it is healthier. 

“It’s nice to have a place that is local that people can come and support,” McKee said. “It will be exciting to see how many more come here through the summer.”

Beverly Rollings, president of the Sedalia Area Farmer’s Market board, said she was very pleased with the turnout.

“We’ve had a steady flow this morning,” Rollings said.

The first customer to visit was a man from Illinois who was visiting people in Sedalia. 

Rollings said she has 19 vendors who have signed up to sell throughout the summer, but the cool, wet weather has kept many producers from having a large amount to sell. 

Amanda Hoover, of Versailles, sold homemade baked goods such as bread, cherry rolls and cinnamon rolls.

“It’s been really good,” she said. Hoover offered visitors samples and said eating homemade products is healthier because they do not contain many preservatives.

Julie Anielak, of Sedalia, purchased a few tomatoes Saturday. 

“I think this is a great idea,” Anielak said, adding that farm-fresh produce tastes better and she tries to purchase it whenever she can.

“It’s great for the environment and the local economy,” Anielak said.

The Sedalia Area Farmer’s Market is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 31. For more information about the market, visit the group’s Web site at www.sedaliaareafarmersmarket.com