Martin County Quiet Heroes: Coronavirus-friendly Green Market

Martin County Fair Association hosts Green Market on Sunday morning

Two Stuart groups connected to bring a coronavirus-friendly green market to Stuart on Sunday at the fairgrounds.

Jay Spicer, who has been the Martin County Fair Manager for the last eight years, came up with the idea.

"I realized that our restauranteurs were hurting because they aren't able to serve as much food as before," he said. "Food comes from local producers, so they are in trouble. I thought about how we can help our local agricultural community. I started with contacting the Stuart Green Market, then called all the connections I have and drew it together." The Stuart Green Market had been cancelled the previous week because of COVID-19 concerns.

Vendors were given face masks and practiced safe food handling and social distancing procedures. Cars drove through next to the food tents, which were set up 15-feet apart down the lane. About 20 vendors participated, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, meats, cheeses, honey, dog treats, baked goods, and more.

A sign placed along Dixie Highway, letting people know the market was open Sunday.

"We wanted this to be just food, focused on agriculture, so we didn't include non-food vendors," Spicer said.

About 500 cars came through during the four hours of the event, with each vendor making between $400 to $1,200. No fee was charged to the vendors.

"We donated this whole project to keep the economy going," Spicer said. "We aren't looking to make money off anybody here."

At many times two lanes of cars were lines up.

The fair office called all the local farmers, bought signage and sent out press releases to bring the event together.

"We'll do it again next week," he said. "Since we demonstrated success we'll be able to get some more vendors next week. If you want to get in on the action, come on over!"

As long as county guidelines allow, the market will happen again next Sunday, from 9-1.

Norma Larsen brought her homemade Bahamian Meat Pies, plus other treats. We bought some and they were yummy!

Check out the Stuart Green Market Facebook page here to see their latest updates, plus the website for general information.

For updates about future Green Markets at the fairgrounds, go to the Martin County Fair Facebook page. Phone calls are welcomed at 772.220.3247. Email them at fairoffice@martincountyfair.com. You can also find information about all things fair-related at their website.

Traffic was orderly and well-organized.

Jay Spicer, Martin County Fair Manager, said he estimated 500 cars came through between 9-1 Sunday.

Ashley Bilz and Michelle Tedeschi said they sold out of their goods for their business Blue Water Booty Smak and had to go back to get more.

Yum! Check out the Doc’s Popcorn website!

Steven and Rhonda Maier sold out of their kettle popped popcorn.

Jennifer Miller waits for her order from Dog Days Homemade Barkery.

Muffins from The Gourmet Muffin sold quickly.

Kelly Dakis gives change to Sarah Leahey after her purchase from Kelly’s Produce, locally sourced fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Kelly is also the general manager at Ocean Cafe at the Elliott Museum.

Homemade kombucha was among the offerings.

Marcy Koffi and Jeanine Griffon from Le Petit Pain, authentic French Bakery.

A steady stream of cars came through.

Fresh croissants and other treats from Le Petit Pain.

Okeechobee Farms offers a variety of grass-fed and pastured Florida mets.

Lots of happy faces Sunday.

Maya and Steven Nettere of Okeechobee Farms offered grass-fed, pastured Florida meats.

Norma Larsen delivers a purchase.

PJ Ranch local honey.

Sarina Sines, a local nurse, checks out the offerings inside a cooler.

Pat and Sue Bradley of PJ Honey.

Driving thru made keeping social distance easy.

Fresh fruits and vegetables abounded.

Ken Coe of Southern Pride Gourmet Foods was happy about the turn out.

Juan Mendoza packages some produce.

Jared Hepler talks with Pat Bradley.

Deliciousness from Southern Pride Gourmet Foods, a Stuart small business.

Maria Villa waits to assemble the next order.

My husband, Mike Ballinger, helps me by getting names and details from the businesses.

Safety precautions.

Stuart Green Market organizer Kevin Osborn considered the day a great success!

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