Farmer's Market celebrates 11 successful years

By Larry Bailey
Correspondent
Monday, January 28, 2008


FORT PIERCE — Food, fun, and entertainment captivated those who attended the Farmers' Market in downtown Fort Pierce Saturday morning.
Debra Yatsko, a longtime market patron, said her family members do so well selling photography at the market that she is considering a venture for herself.

"It is high spirited, full of positive energy, and a great opportunity to make money," she said.
The Fort Pierce Farmers' Market, designed to bring more customers to businesses and help showcase downtown area, attracts large crowds. According to market chairwoman Linda Hudson, the market draws 12,000-15,000 people into downtown Fort Pierce every Saturday. The mood was especially festive on Saturday as the market celebrated 11 years of success.
Patrons of the market come to feast on the varied cuisines while they sit on the sea wall that overlooks the Indian River Lagoon. Foods offered at the market include soup to nuts, crepes, cakes, sandwiches, Mexican and Jamaican dishes, gyros, jellies, and fruit. There is also a large display of arts and crafts that includes pottery, painting, and jewelry.
The market also features entertainment. On Saturday, the Avenue D Boys Choir offered up soulful gospel songs and solo singer Maury Stauffer followed with memorable mellow folk ballads from the 1960s and '70s.

Market manager Bobbi Spencer, of Fort Pierce, said participating vendors come to Fort Pierce because they believe it's the best farmer's market in south Florida.
"Our beautiful waterfront location draws many people," she said.
Beverly Loureiro, a customer from of Fort Pierce, said "I have been coming to the market for many years, we often start here with breakfast and end here with lunch, I come for bread and my husband comes for sticky buns."
Saturday morning regular Mary Ann Bryan, of Fort Pierce, said, "The market on the waterfront is a Fort Pierce treasure."
Both patrons and vendors get up early to participate in the Saturday morning tradition of activities offered by the market.
"It is worth getting up at four in the morning to get my peanuts ready for my customers because I do well in this market," said Barbi Motisi, of Stuart.
The Fort Pierce Farmers' Market is open every Saturday year-round from 8 a.m. to noon.