The Keystone Heights Farmers' Market, which doubled its vendors in December for holiday shoppers, is holding a fundraiser this month to benefit Relay for Life. Pink plastic flamingos, being called "mingos," are being sold for a $20 donation. Purchasers of mingos are asked to dress them in costumes following the theme "Around the World."
A costume contest with prizes will be held Jan. 31. The market is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
The Farmers' Market, offering the usual produce, baked goods, fresh eggs, goat soap and other agricultural-based products, featured a number of crafters in December.
Market Manager Sandy Rodgers said that the market's second year has been a success, and she was pleased that Craft Month in December drew many unique crafters. Maya Bearden, 10, was helping her grandfather Troy Merrett at his booth. Merrett, an Iraq veteran, made parachute cord bracelets while overseas, sending them to his church in Keystone Heights as a reminder to pray for the troops. When he returned home, he received requests for them, and is now selling them at the market.
T. Allen Gibson, who creates high-end jewelry made from hand sculptured glass, is also at the market. Gibson said he hopes to put on a glass blowing demonstration at the market in the near future.
Vendor Princess Trinity was selling and demonstrating the many benefits of West African Shea Butter, providing hand rubs in the process. She also sells the popular West African Black Soap. Thayne Bell, a regular vendor at the market who sells bath products like goat milk soap, stopped by for a hand washing with the black soap.
"No wonder [black soap] has become so popular," he said as he washed his hands in it.
Rodgers said the fresh produce usually attracts 150 to 200 shoppers weekly. The Crab Cake King from St. Augustine is a popular booth that attracts many regulars, as is the bakery booth offering fresh baked goods made by Frank Dituala, a retired professional baker.
Linda Alvarez said she doesn't miss a week coming to the market.
"I love the bakery. You can see I have my bag full. This is very nice. I'm so glad they're here," Alvarez said.
Pat Higginbotham, a newcomer to the market, said she couldn't pass by the baked goods either.
"I came for vegetables and ended up buying some pastry," she said.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/010408/nec_230967275.shtml
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