By RAY WYCHE
Staff Writer

The Columbus County Community Farmers Market opened for its 2007 sales season Saturday with a big crowd present but with few vegetables on hand.

The Easter weekend freeze put a halt on many growers’ plans to have early spring vegetables such as new potatoes, cabbage, mustard and spinach for sale on opening day, but there were some home-grown farm products for sale.

Locally produced onions, vegetable and herb plants for transplanting, strawberries and sweet potatoes and pecans from last fall were available, along with painted gourds and homemade jams. Cucumbers and squash from South Carolina were also available.

An opening ceremony with remarks from officials about the value of the Farmers Market began at 10 a. m. with a welcome by Irvin Brown, president of the farmer-owned market.
A U. S. flag was presented by Dr. Clyde Burns and Charles Lennon of the local Woodmen of the World Lodge No. 137. A state flag was presented by Rep. Dewey Hill, chairman of N.C. House Agriculture Committee, who said, “This market has all kinds of potential.”

Hill also remarked that a “new road will soon be developed” that will make access to the market easier.

The proposed road will link U. S. 701 Bypass with 701 Business and will be close to the Farmers Market in Government Complex north of Whiteville.

William Upchurch, director of the N. C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission that gave a $125,000 grant toward construction of the new sales shed, spoke on the changes taking place in the state’s agriculture from tobacco to other crops and said, “I hope we are making a difference in that change. Columbus County Farmers Market is a perfect example that this is working so well.

“Thank you for all of your hard work,” Upchurch said to the market vendors. “We’re very proud of this project,” he added.

Extension Service Horticulture Agent Howard Wallace praised the efforts of area farmers for their interest in growing and marketing vegetable crops.

“I work with a great group of farmers and we are here to assist if needed,” he said.

The Community Farmers Market began in 1998 in a downtown Whiteville parking lot and has been guided by a board of directors made up of farmer-vendors at the market. The market moved to its present location in 2001.

The market is open from 7 a. m. until noon Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.