A monthly staple of Havana, the Farmer’s Market has been blossoming perpetually since creation by Havana Main Street over seven years ago. Originally held in the area near the Police and Fire Departments, it is now held in the field directly in front of the Shade Tobacco Museum on the fourth Saturday of each month. Eagerness for the event was an all-time high before the opening at 10 a.m.
“This event is awesome, and all of the vendors in the town are supported like crazy by the community,” said organizer Dan Doering of Doering’s Doughs. Together with his wife Missy, he has participated in the event since 2020, around the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. “With the continued support of Havana Main Street, increased participation from the historical Shade Tobacco Museum, and help from many of the major players in the Havana Area, we are shaping up to present it as the best possible event this could be.”
Guided history tours were also available inside the museum.
Many sorts of vendors are featured, with the exception of some food-related vendors for which proper licensing is required. For merchants, there is a fee of $10. Most mentioned that their profit well exceeds this “simple and small price,” in the many merchants’ words.
This event attracts many individuals, from as far south as Wakulla and far west as Jackson. “It has really grown from last month to this month,” said FSU Student and Leon resident Patrick Hall. A fan of local town Farmer’s Markets, this is his third time attending the Farmer’s Market in Havana. His view seemed to be the view of many, of anticipation being soaring high for events planned for the near future, such as Woodfest and the Sidewalk Sale. These events are to be featured next month concurrent with the Market. “I really appreciate the sense of community that Havana has, especially in an area that is so beautiful and historical – makes me want to live here, frankly/ There are cheap and natural goods here one is completely unable to find at, say, somewhere like a Walmart… and it all goes great with a cup of mocha from Poppy’s!”
Music was provided by Gene Loy, known artistically as Genezone, a local guitarist from the Big Bend Area. He played hits, from all decades, although a particular rendition of ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac stopped most in their tracks. This is the third time that a musician has been featured in the Havana Market, with no signs of such features ending.
More than eighteen vendors were featured in this August Havana Market, including such things as toy balloons, hot dogs, handwoven clothing, baked goods, jewels, woodcrafts, lunches, flavored snow cones, homemade soaps, types of plants, flags, and uniquely flavored bread varieties. Many more are to be featured next month, as pre-signings were at their highest according to general management.
Ruben Uribe – Gadsden County News Service
