Mauldin offers a summer alternative to those boring TV reruns. On Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mauldin Cultural Center’s outdoors amphitheater, residents can attend the Mauldin Farmers Market sponsored by Bon Secours St. Francis Health System and operating June 5-August 28, 2018.
At the June 12th event, several attendees remarked that the venue seemed bigger this year with more variety. Most attendees and vendors preferred the Tuesday evening hours over previous Saturday mornings, saying that it offered a break during the week and left the weekend free for travel and other activities.
This event also offers some surprises for those who venture out. Expected produce items abound—luscious strawberries; bright blueberries; ripe peaches; ears of corn for husking; and red, juicy tomatoes. In addition, one discovers artisan booths and specialized local products. Participants even have their favorite booths.
When asked about the most memorable display there, Rev. Bill Voorhes quickly pointed out the Piedmont Wood Carvers Club booth. There, Dave Fisher said that the best piece was the one you gave away. The group offers classes in churches and libraries to teach carving angels from basswood. The completed pieces can be held easily in one’s hand for comfort. So far, they have distributed 138 angels to places such as Ronald MacDonald House and to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Here is a sampling of the many local products offered at this Mauldin Farmers Market. It requires more than one Tuesday to see and experience everything there!
Robin Januszewski eagerly described her eco-friendly products designed to be used in place of disposable plastic items. At her display, she offered mesh produce bags for replacing the plastic ones available in supermarkets as well as reusable jar sealers and sandwich bags. She aims to decrease plastic waste in our community by promoting these products.
One of the vendors, Robert Glaspie of Bird Houses by Design, said that the $65.00 fee to display throughout the summer was reasonable and productive. He had experienced many visitors to his booth which featured unique, brightly-painted, and detailed cedar birdhouses. His handcrafted designs included different sports teams and hobby interests.
Dorcus Abercrombie, who runs the Pound Cakes by Dorcus display, uses this venue to advertise and sell her specialized cakes. She offers any pound cake a person’s heart could desire including: lemon, chocolate, sour cream, and black walnut.
While you cannot bring your own food or beverages to the Mauldin Farmers Market, there are food vendors aplenty and the parking is free. So, come next Tuesday and see for yourself. You will be supporting local farmers, artisans, and food preparers. In addition, the event features a different band each week and strolling through the grounds while listening to the free music cannot help but cheer one up and beat the heat. Chances are, you will run into someone you know—a neighbor, a friend. It’s a great way to feel a part of the Mauldin community.♦
