By Andrea Bithell
Guest Writer

Spring has sprung at the Winnsboro Farmers Market!  We have seen record breaking attendance at the market this season, with over 500 last weekend.  It has been wonderful to see old friends and spend time catching up, and we are also seeing many new faces at the market as well.  With that in mind here are the Top 10 Smart Market Shopper Tips for the Winnsboro Farmers Market:

1.       Shop Early
Perfect advice for me this morning, as Rita was out of my favorite Coconut Goat Milk Soap when I arrived at 11:30 am.  I joyfully purchased my favorite Chocolate Walnut Goat Milk Fudge from her though.  She promised to have the soap I want in two weeks!  I anxiously await it, as it is the only soap that helps my hands.
“Shop early to get choice items.” – Rita Ray of Rita’s Goat Milk Soap
“Come early to get a good selection.” Heidi Nichols of Heidi’s Plants
“Buy right away, or you might miss out on what you wanted when you first passed by.” – Granny Annie’s Homemade Items

2.       Shop Late
I have seen the Shop Late strategy work out too.  A couple of weeks ago I was able to get three bunches of leafy greens (kale, collards, Swiss Chard) for the price of two.
“Come at the end of the market day, vendors are more likely to make deals as they don’t want to take anything home.” – John Kilburn of Comeback Creek Farm

3.       Bring your Reusable Bags and Coolers
Most vendors will have one-use bags for your purchases, but bags can run out.  Bring your reusable cloth bag for your purchases.  If you are planning on buying any beef, chicken, butter, or eggs bring a cooler.  If you have a few extra stops to make after the market visit, your produce will be ok when you get home.
“Bring insulated bags for beef and chicken purchases, if you have more stops to make after your market visit.  ”   – Patrick Embry of Embry Family Farm
“Bring your own bags and ice packs if you are purchasing a flavored butter, such as garlic or jalapeno cheddar.” – Vicki of McElyea’s Pantry

4.       Bring Small Bills and Bring Back Containers
Vendors are inundated with $20s, and while they come prepared, some days find them short on change such as $1s and $5s.  Did you know some vendors give you a discount on your next purchase when you bring your container back?  For example, Piney Woods Ranch gives a discount on your next egg purchase when you bring the carton back.
“Bring back your containers for a discount on your next purchase.” Stacy Knight-Finley of Plains to Pines

5.       Plan Ahead and Make a Meal Plan
Want to know the most up-to-date information about who and what will be at the market??? 
The information is only a click away on social media. 
“LIKE all of the Winnsboro Farmers Market vendors on Facebook to get up-to-date information on what will be at the market.” – Robin Sanchez of Ranchez Farm

6.       Try Something New
Treat your next trip to the market as an adventure and try something new or weird.  Ask the vendor what it is and what they do with it.  You will come away with an appreciation for a new fruit or vegetable plus a new recipe. 
“Wear comfortable shoes so you can hang out and visit with the vendors.  Bring a smile, small bills and an open mind to try something new!” – Debra Aaron, Piney Woods Ranch

7.       Shop with Friends and Family
Buy in bulk.  Late spring and into summer will supply the market with lots of okra, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and peas.  Do you like to can, planning a canning party?  June is a great month to talk to your farmer about purchasing a larger amount of produce at a discount. 
“If you are interested in canning, ask us to bring seconds for a discounted price.  We only bring the best produce to market, but we can bring seconds if you want, just let us know.”   – Patrick Embry of Embry Family Farm

8.       Offer the Vendors Something Besides Cash
Vendors are independent and sometimes unconventional, and source everything locally.  Do you have a special skill/talent, or extra produce of your own?  Talk to the vendors, many are willing to trade or barter.  Can you design a website or have marketing skills?  Vendors are busy farming and putting product together, they don’t always have time to sit at a computer. 
“We are willing to barter services for product.” – Papa Kimo’s Breads

9.       Get Rewarded!
Did you know some vendors offer loyalty cards?  For example, you purchase product with them say 10 times and the 11th is free or discounted. 
“My punch card is a way to say thanks to my repeat customers. At the end of this season I'll be doing a drawing from all the turned in punch cards for a gift basket of baked items.” – Jean of Taylor’s Old World Bakery

10.   Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food
Talk to the vendors at the “Friendliest Farmers Market East of Dallas”!  Ask them questions, please!  Tell them what you like, don’t like, and what you want to see in the future!  If they don’t have it, they will get it or grow it for you.  If they don’t know the answer to your question they will figure it out
“Make time to visit with the vendors and wear sunscreen” – Vanessa of Fairy Fly Farms
“You can special order for the next week, it will be set aside for your arrival at the market.” – Papa Kimo’s Breads
“Ask questions about the plants, if I don’t know I will figure it out for you.” – Robin Sanchez of Ranchez Farm
“If you don’t see a picture that you want painted on your face, ask me and I can do most anything.” – Elizabeth at the Kid’s Corner
“Ask questions about farmer growing practices, where they are, what they'll have next week or next month. Exchange farming knowledge with vendors and other customers. We love to share, and we are always looking for better ways to farm!” – Tammy of HIH Farms

We hope to see you this weekend at the Winnsboro Farmers Market to taste the real flavors of the season.  Connect with a community of farmers and vendors and while you shop the kids have a place of their own to play as well.