Article courtesy of the Northern Light Region
By: Doris Knutson
“The Simply Fresh Farmers Market, formerly known as Fresh Start Farmers Market, will open for the season this Saturday, June 11. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hometown Hardware in Baudette.
This year, the market has a new manager, with Ellen Richards taking the reins. Richards replaces Lynda Annoreno, who was the driving force behind the organization of the farmers market in Baudette, as well as the manager for the first several years.
Richards started off in 2014 as a vendor at the farmers market, selling crafts and other homemade items.
In 2015, upon Annoreno’s decision to retire, Richards accepted the position of manager.
“Nobody wanted to run the market, so I decided to give it a try, with my husband’s blessing,” Richards said.
Despite the market’s new name, most everything else is the same.
“I tried to keep it close to the original purpose of the farmers market,” said Richards.
“The market will feature only foods that are homegrown, homemade, home-picked, home-raised or handcrafted and other specialty items that are food-related
“The customers, vendors and well-wishers were all used to the location, days and times, so they will remain the same” she said.
“I had a lot of help and support from Lynda and Rick and Joyce Blodget from Hometown Hardware,” Richards continued.
“My back-up help and support are Barb Porch, Judy Olson and Larry B.”
Some of the vendors shoppers will find at this Saturday’s market are Nancy Dunnell of Nancy’s Greenhouse, Sybil Butler with Tupperware, Our Country Pantry’s Kim Benike, Olson Furniture built by Philip and Joyce Olson, Barb Porch’s produce and baked goods, Wild Rose Ranch, owned by Wendy Rogers, with meats and baked goods, Colette Olson with some gluten-free baked goods and crafts, Calvin Carlson of Potamo Produce with garden produce and homemade jams and Ellen’s Cotton Shop, owned by Ellen Richards, with hand-woven rugs and other homemade crafts.
Simply Fresh Farmers Market belongs to the Minnesota Farmers Market Association and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown.”
If you are interested in being a vendor, call Ellen at 218-634-1331, or email simplyfreshfm@aol.com
