Poplar Head Farmers Market makes successful debut

Organizers could not have asked for a better day or a better turn out Saturday morning for the inaugural Poplar Head Farmers Market.

The vendors, selling the best in fresh fruit and vegetables, saw a steady stream of traffic all morning. In fact, many of the vendors had to bring in extra baskets of their produce to meet the demand. And the shoppers visiting the new open-air market were not disappointed in the selections provided by the 16 local vendors.

One of the early arrivers, JoAn Breth, accompanied by her husband, Bob, was thrilled with the market.

“Right now, the vendors have a good selection of things to pick from,” Mrs. Breth said. “Everyone seems to have a happy attitude (about the market), and that means good service. Everyone is so helpful. I’m glad the produce vendors are taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Mrs. Breth also noted the organizers did a good job of site selection as well as the extra ingredients that were part of the Poplar Head Farmers Market.

“It’s easy to get to,” Ms. Breth continued. And they have incorporated so many elements into this. Using volunteers, who are so helpful, is a plus. They have a lot of things going on outside, which is good. It’s great to have the Wiregrass Museum of Art and the Houston-Love Memorial Library involved with the children.

“Overall, it is a wonderful idea, and I wish them well.”

Cathy Cole, executive director of The Downtown Group which is co-sponsoring the event, was thrilled with the participation Saturday morning.

“This is what downtown is supposed to look like on Saturday,” Ms. Cole said as she surveyed the multitude of shoppers visiting the various vendors located in the southeast corner of the Dothan Civic Center parking lot adjacent to Poplar Head Park.

“Shopping and socializing. That’s what downtown is all about.”

A beautiful day. A good crowd. A good supply of fruits and vegetables. Fun activities. Ms. Cole says those ingredients created the perfect recipe for a good day.

“It’s just amazing,” Ms. Cole said of the inaugural event. “It has gone way beyond my expectations. It’s great to see such a large crowd. Parents have brought their children to take part in the events scheduled for them.

“We have a wonderful variety of produce. We also have flowers and plants available for purchase. It’s really astonishing.

“The day has been all that we hoped it would be.”