By Tonya Bredamus

We are almost at the end of our second year of baking goodies and selling cookbooks at the Farmer’s Market. We have found that the cookbooks are a hit, we have “regulars” coming to buy our baked goods each month, and that it might be worth looking into making and selling several sugar-free selections.

July’s Farmer’s Market theme was Pride in Virginia. Among the sixteen Charity League members who baked something for this past Farmer’s Market, one showed her pride in Martinsville by baking the Winner’s Circle Pie on page 207 of our “Barracuda in Velvet Gloves” cookbook. Leanna Blevins, Erica Schulze Ising, and I enjoyed listening to a live performance by Doug and Telisha Williams as we sold baked goods and cookbooks to area residents. We sold nine cookbooks and raised approximately $170. We often hear, “I already have this cookbook and I love it!” That statement is usually followed by, “my favorite recipe is…” You can fill in the blank with anything from the banana chip muffins to the Art’s Etc. chicken salad recipe.

August’s Farmer’s Market was the most successful of the summer. We sold four cookbooks and made a little over $200. The theme was Kid’s Fun Fest. We had some really ambitious and creative members who baked some really cute treats for the kids. Sandra Prillaman made chocolate chip cookies packaged in decorative bags and topped with pencils and curling ribbon. Corrine Haskins made the chocolate chip cookies in star shaped tins nestled in a cute basket. The success of this past Farmer’s Market was due to everyone making some really extraordinary items. We had several pies, cakes and breads, which are our best selling items. 

I want to thank all of the active members who have been so wonderful to bake items, despite their extremely busy schedules, especially during the summer months. I also want to thank the sustainers who visit our booth and support us on a regular basis.  

If you haven’t been to one of our Farmer’s Markets, please try to stop by and see us at our last Farmer’s Market of the year, November 17th. We will have cookbooks already wrapped and ready to give as presents for the upcoming holiday season. We hope to see you then!