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Provided by: Tyna Collier

THUMBS UP: February 14, 2009 Press Journal

THESE MARKETS ARE UP: If last weekend's turnout was any indication, farmer's markets have become a big hit in Vero Beach.

The open-air market on Ocean Drive across from Humiston Park, drew a huge crowd last Saturday. So shoppers will want to get an early start today. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon.

On Fridays, the downtown clientele is growing at Pocahontas Park, which hosts its own weekly farmer's market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Though the Ocean Drive mart is considering closing from May to October, several vendors say they want to continue the weekly schedule year-round — even after the snowbirds fly back north.

These Friday and Saturday markets — both of which started in the past four months — are gathering a loyal following, and bringing fresh vitality to Vero Beach. The public can ensure their continued success and year-round operation by visiting them regularly.

As the well-established and wildly popular Fort Pierce Farmer's Market proves each weekend, you won't find a happier group of folks than those who patronize such fun-filled venues.

9 Year Old Vendor at Farmers' Market Oceanside
Caroline Granitur (9 years old)founder of "Caroline's Crops"of Vero Beach will be setting up a booth at the Farmers' Market Oceanside this Saturday the 17th. She has planted organic tomato seeds and has been successful in growing over a 100 seedlings. She has decided to sell her seedlings at the market. According to her father Eric, this is not her first market. She has sold seedlings in the past and has done well.
Eric has a 700 sq ft. garden right here on the beachside in vero beach. He uses it toeducate 4th graders on what it takes to grow successful crops.

We wish Caroline much success at the market and are very proud to have her as a vendor! Please come by and visit Caroline at the market located on Ocean Drive across from Humiston Park.

First farmers market coming to Ocean Drive in Vero Beach

By Janet Begley
Wednesday, October 29, 2008

VERO BEACH — Warm breezes and soft sand will be joined by zucchini and strawberries this weekend when the Oceanside Business Association sponsors the first in a series of farmers' markets along Ocean Drive.

Hale Groves will be the anchor for the new market, which opens Saturday.

Market organizers said they've been planning the market for about a year, offering spots to beachside merchants first. Six vendors have confirmed spaces for the first market, including fresh produce suppliers and food vendors.

"This is one of the events we are sponsoring during business hours," said event coordinator Angie Schepers. "We want to bring people to the beach so our shops can put out their signs and let people know they're open for business."

Betty Cochrane, Oceanside Business Association president, said the market would feature fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, honey and other items.

"We wanted to stay away from the whole idea of crafts," said Cochrane, who owns the beachside shop Irish Treasures. "It was important that the market will be produce-friendly, and entice people to come to Ocean Drive on Saturday morning."

Hala Laviolette, manager of the State Road A1A branch of Suntrust Bank, said she thinks a farmers' market will really benefit beachside businesses.

"The market will bring people down to the area that normally don't come here," said Laviolette, hoping people who drive to the Fort Pierce farmers' market will come to Ocean Drive instead.

Plans for the farmers' market include expansion to about 12-15 vendors.

Although Main Street Vero Beach recently began its own farmers' market on Friday mornings at the corner of 14th Avenue and 21st Street in downtown Vero Beach, Schepers said the two markets will not compete.

"We think it's two different crowds," said Schepers. "This is a different day and time, and we're only operating once a month. Our goal is to offer a different flavor."

FARMERS MARKET ALONG OCEAN DRIVE

Where: Humiston Plaza parking lot, across from Humiston Park on Ocean Drive

Items: Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, honey and more

Hometown News

By Jessica Tuggle

jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com

VERO BEACH - Despite a rainy start, a steady stream of shoppers came out for the inaugural Ocean Drive farmer's market, across from Humiston Park last Saturday.

Customers had their pick of locally-grown produce, plants, honey and breadstuffs. Coffee beans, frozen ice desserts, coffee and smoothies, Sicilian sausages and even doggie treats were offered.

Fifteen vendors participated in the first beachside market, which was sponsored by the Oceanside Business Association, and more are expected for the next one on Saturday, Dec. 6, event organizer Angie Schepers said.

"The purpose of this was to add vitality to the beachside area," said Charles Sanford, OBA director.

"Hotel patrons will have someplace to go on a Saturday morning. It will compliment the improvements going on at Humiston Park and the new construction going on around here. It's just another good reason for people to come to the beach," said Mr. Sanford.

Almost all of the vendors were local, with some coming from Brevard or St. Lucie counties.

Vero Beach resident Alice Howard was delighted that a farmer's market had finally come to the beach area.

"I like farmer's markets because the produce is good and it's really good shopping," said Ms. Howard.

As the sunshine grew stronger, so did business at the Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies tent.

Jules Fink, owner, has been going to farmers markets and other community events since starting her business about six months ago.

"This was a smart move. I think Vero really needed it," said Ms. Fink.

Courtney Von Kohorn, 14, enjoyed her fruit smoothie as her parents visited all of the vendors.

"We came out here today to really support the local growers and farmers because we're really big on supporting local efforts and the local economy," said Craig Von Kohorn, Courtney's father.

The proximity of the market was very attractive to Merrin Metcalf and her daughters Molly, 7 and Jenna, 11.

"I like it a lot," said Ms. Metcalf.

"It's really nice to have something closer to home. We would go sometimes to the one in Fort Pierce, and the girls liked it, but this is closer so we might come more often," she said.

The bustling activity even attracted passers-by with no knowledge of the market.

"I was just wandering downtown and I saw this out here," said John Kelly.

Mr. Kelly and his 14-week-old Lhasa Apso, Yogi, enjoyed visiting the market and seeing the variety of products for sale.

"It's really a welcome addition to the community and it's in a great place for foot traffic ... and I like that it's dog-friendly," Mr. Kelly said with a smile.

Kristin DiPentima, retail manager of Hale Groves in Wabasso, worked with the OBA to get the farmers market operational. Hale Groves is the anchor vendor for the market.

"We've been with the development since the beginning and we're really excited to be here at the farmers market," said Ms. DiPentima.

Ms. Schepers was extremely pleased with the turnout and positive comments, and called the event a "great success."

Because of the encouraging response, the OBA decided that beginning in January, the farmers market will take place on a weekly basis, instead of once a month, Ms. Schepers said.

"The vendors want to be here every week and so does the public from all the comments I've heard," said Ms. Schepers.

"We're really looking forward to the next farmers market and hope lots more people will come on out," she said.