By STEVE CLARK, The Brownsville Herald
With the start of the Brownsville Farmers’ Market only three weeks away, organizers are beating the bushes for more local farmers and backyard fruit and/or vegetable growers to come and sell their goods.
The market begins Oct. 2 and runs every Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, through May. There is no fee for vendors, and tents and tables are provided at no cost. An e-mail blast sent out by market organizers calls for growers of bananas, basil, bell peppers, rosemary, tomatoes or any other type of fruit, herb or vegetable to get involved.
While the primary focus is on fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, organizers are also courting vendors of hot food and prepared food — bread, jams and jellies, pies and such. The market is also putting out the call to local artists and crafts people to be part of the market and sell their creations.
Belinda Reininger, an associate professor for the UT School of Public Health’s Brownsville branch who was instrumental in establishing the Brownsville Farmers’ Market, said new additional vendors have come onboard and she welcomes others from the community — particularly those who grow fresh produce.
“(Fresh produce) is going to continue to be the focus of this market,” she said. “We don’t necessarily need large farmers. You don’t have to have a large crop to be able to sell at market. We have farmers who have all sized crops.”
Reininger said inviting artists and crafts people to sell their work is a good way to highlight local artists and add to the market’s allure. She hopes that and other activities will make the market “a Saturday morning spot where families can come.”
As Oct. 2 and the start of the market’s third season approaches, Reininger said she feels good about what’s to come.
“We’re very confident,” she said. “The number of vendors has already grown. We feel like word from the different farmers is that the crops are in the field and looking good.”
Sunday, Oct. 3, the day after the start of the market season, marks the beginning of Border Binational Health Week. The Brownsville Farmers’ Market and other community efforts to promote healthy eating and lifestyles will be highlighted among other activities during the week, Reininger said.
“This year we are fortunate that through city of Brownsville efforts we will be hosting the seventh annual Border Binational Health Week,” she said. “It’s a really important event, and we bring in speakers and dignitaries from both countries.”
Finally, the farmers’ market board has hired David Robledo as its market manager, a part-time position.
Robledo, a former Brownsville Herald employee and more recently publisher of South Texas Nation magazine, will be responsible for interacting with vendors, making sure there’s a good selection of items at the market, and setting up market-day activities that will draw people in.
“He’s a great fit,” Reininger said. “We’re very excited about David and did a very thorough search. We’re very pleased with him.”
Anyone interested in being a vendor may call 882-5896 or e-mail thebrownsvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com.
What: Brownsville Farmers’ Market
Where: Linear Park, East Harrison Street between East 6th and East 7th streets
When: Every Saturday, starting Oct. 2 through May
