Ron Crain welcomed customers to his tent Saturday morning as he gazed across the lot at other vendors at Enid Farmers Market.
“It’s been fair,” said Crain of the morning’s attendance. “I think the cool morning has a little bit to do with it.”
Crain, owner of Wagon Creek Creamery, was one of about a dozen vendors selling goods at the grand opening of the second year of Enid Farmers Market, located at the corner of East Garriott and Grand.
Temperatures were in the mid-50s as locals gathered to buy all sorts of trinkets and goods made right on local farms.
Wagon Creek Creamery, located about 30 miles northwest of Enid, produces grass-fed beef and dairy products, as well as some baked goods.
Crain’s table was filled with mozzarella cheese and yogurt that had been produced by the farm’s dairy.
He was even giving away free samples of the cheese.
Crain said he appreciates the Enid Farmers Market board working hard to bring the event into its second year.
“It’s well-run and well-organized,” he said. “We’re very much appreciative of the leadership of the board.”
At a nearby booth, Mitch Walters and Terri Walters, co-proprietors of Longwood Farm in Ringwood, were selling bags of mixed greens that had been grown from seed.
They also were selling grapewood, which can be used on grills. When the grill is fired, the wood produces a fruity flavor, just like peach or any other fruit bark.
Like Crain, the Walters were at the market for their second year.
Mitch said the relatively low attendance for the market’s grand opening could be blamed on the cool weather.
“It’s still cool, so people aren’t thinking about coming out,” he said. “People think of tomatoes and melons (when they think of a farmers market), and that will be a couple more months.”
Cathie Berry, assistant coordinator of Enid Farmers Market, said the attendance will pick up as it gets warmer, especially in June and July.
“For the produce it’s still early,” she said.
At the market’s busiest time in the middle of the summer, Berry said there will be at least 20 vendors selling goods at the depot.
The farmers market will feature one theme in June and another in July, Berry said.
June’s theme is “Greenid.”
Activities at the market during the month will include making pine cone birdfeeders and other things that relate to organic, sustainable living.
July’s theme will be “Dog Days of Summer.” Attendees will be able to bring their pets to the market for some fun during that time.
Enid Farmers Market also is looking for new vendors.
“We’re always open to new vendors,” Berry said. “You don’t have to come every Saturday, as long as you can figure out a schedule.”
Enid Farmers Market is open 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday through the end of October.