Cary's Farmers Market Draws Large Crowds

After developing the plan, organizing, finding vendors and getting approval, the Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce hosted the Cary Downtown Farmers Market on Sunday, June 5.

With more than 1,500 people coming through the market, most of the vendors sold out of product.

"As the season goes on, the market is going to get much bigger," said Suzanne Corr, executive director of the Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce. "We’ve had more people come up to us and say thank you for doing this."

She added, "The community wanted this so bad, we know people are passionate about having old-fashion hometown events."

Aaron Kinney, who is a vendor from Twin Garden Farms, said they do not have a lot of product because of the cold weather, but on Sunday, his booth had three types of lettuce, radish, green onions and basil. “For what we had, we did pretty good, Kinney said.

The Twin Garden Farms has a countdown on its website to some of its famous Mirai corn, which Kinney said they would have at the Cary Farmers Market by mid-July. The corn is known around the world, and Kinney said you could eat it raw.

“For being a first market, the first time, Cary has come out and supported very, very well. We are very thrilled,” said Cindee Robinson, who operates a farm in Poplar Grove.

Robinson’s farm is known for its eggs. She said they have 500 laying hens on their farm, and it is a lengthy process getting them ready. Robinson sold 70 dozen eggs in Woodstock on Saturday but will have some eggs in Cary next week. “So people need to get here very early if they want eggs,” she said.

“I think it’s great. I’m hoping we’ll be able to expand it even further," said Cary Trustee Karen Lukasik. "I think it can be really big."

The farmers market had a huge variety, but with such a large turnout, some of the vendors will be bring more and even expand with more booths.

"We are so excited to get fresh produce and flowers, and we are more excited to support the local farmers," said Debra Claypool, of Cary. "Now that we know it’s here, we can plan our meals accordingly."

With some of the items her family picked out, they plan to cook and grill. "It’s just nice. It feels small town when there is stuff like this," Claypool said.

"Its kind of fun to have the farmers market here."

The Cary Farmers Market will be held every Sunday from June through Oct. 9. Market hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the north commuter parking lot near High Road and West Main Street in downtown Cary.