Farmers Markets Will Debut at Cockayne Farmstead May 29 | News, Sports, Jobs

photo by: Shelley Hanson (File)

One of the Cockayne Farmstead’s past victory gardens is shown. The historic Cockayne Farmstead, 1111 Wheeling Ave., Glen Dale, is set to begin hosting weekly farmers markets starting May 29 from 3-6 p.m.

The historic Cockayne Farmstead is slated to kick-off its first weekly farmers market from 3-6 p.m. May 29.

Kara Gordon, site manager, said the farmers markets will be held each Wednesday through August and possibly longer at the site, located at 1111 Wheeling Ave., Glen Dale.

The current list of farmers and vendors who will be attending include: Summit Acres: chickens, eggs, quail, pickles; CST Farm: tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, peppers, potatoes, onions, zucchini, pumpkins; Struggling Acres Farm: tomatoes, beans, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, kohlrabi, corn, onions, garlic, eggs; NJ’s Kettle Corn: kettle corn; Echo Valley Pottery; and Sugar Rush Bakery: artisan bread, Italian bread, French bread, quick loaves, fruit pies and pepperoni rolls.

“We decided to start a farmers market because we want Cockayne to be a valuable part of our neighborhood, a place where people can gather and build community,” Gordon said. “And since we are a historic farm, a farmers market seemed a perfect fit – true to our identity but also relevant to people’s lives today.

“Museums need to be more than places to look at old stuff; they are places to create community connections, celebrate our area’s traditions, and continue to support the people who are building our community today.”

Gordon noted when the Cockaynes owned the property, there were thousands of other families like them in the Ohio Valley who made “excellent livings from running small farms and growing food.”

“Now that’s extremely difficult and most people think we have to get our food from other countries thousands of miles away,” she said. “We want to support the people right here in our area who are still growing food for their own community.”

Gordon said the Cockayne house will be open for tours during the farmers markets.

“Many people tell us they’ve always driven by the house but never found time to stop. Maybe this will be their perfect opportunity to check it out while getting some shopping done,” she said.

Gordon said there is plenty of space for additional vendors and farmers to participate. The cost to set up is $10. An online application is available on the Cockayne’s website: https://www.cockaynefarmstead.com/.

“I think we have a great location right along Route 2, and also within a very walkable neighborhood,” she said. “We want to make it just as easy as stopping at a big grocery store on your way home from work. And this way you know exactly where your food is coming from and you know you’re supporting family-run farms. I hope it’s a win-win for everyone.”