It's been a thought for years, but a Rocky Point Farmers Market is now a reality and it begins Sunday.
Rocky Point Civic Association President Charles Bevington helped create a committee, which Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined, that got the wheels in motion.
"I think the Civic has been trying for a couple of years, and we just got to the point where we said ‘hey, let’s do it,’" Bevington said. "We started the committee, and it’s been working."
The market will run every Sunday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m at the intersection of Prince and Broadway. Right now, it features two farmers and one artisan, but Bevington said they hope to have 15 people (eight farmers, seven artisans) in the next couple of weeks.
"One lady will be making homemade soap, two people making beach glass jewelry...we have a mile and a quarter of beaches, so we’re one of the few areas where you can actually get beach glass," Bevington said. "They actually make really fine jewelry from it."
Farmers will come from the North Fork, Calverton, the South Shore and other areas. They also are looking at vineyards, and will feature local bread makers and possibly a cheese maker as well.
"There are two goals," he said. "The first goal is to have people understand where the food comes from. There’s a growing awareness of anti-genetic engineering, a growing concern for organic foods and supporting local farmers. The second is to support local business and promote Rocky Point."
The market brings a new flavor that the downtown area hasn't seen before. There are still openings in the market, and Rocky Point residents get priority.
"We want to keep it simple and keep it local," Bevington said.
Those interested can sign up at www.rocky-point-farmers-market.org.
