Last Chance for Shoppers at the Holiday Market

By Vicki Randolph

Deck the market with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la! The produce growing season is long over, but

there have still been plenty of reasons to visit the Ashe County Farmer's Market in West Jefferson this holiday season. Despite the cold weather, the last four Saturdays have found jolly shoppers crowded into the market pavilion.

The farmers, crafters and artisans of Ashe County have been helping to make everyone else's holiday shopping a little easier and a lot more fun this year."A Homegrown and Handmade Christmas" is a celebration showcasing the finest of products from the High Country.

This year's holiday market provides shoppers with a chance to find unique handmade gifts for everyone on their list. It is an opportunity for local residents as well as out of town visitors to get into the Christmas spirit.

Over the past few weeks, shoppers haven't been the only visitors to the Homegrown and Handmade Christmas celebration. A special children's choir from Mountain View Elementary School performed traditional songs of the season last Saturday. Even the big man himself, all dressed in red, made time to travel all the way from the North Pole to Ashe County. Rumor has it Santa just had to visit what he has heard to be the world's greatest farmers market anywhere. It is also rumored that he took back a few items he hopes to have the elves duplicate.

Whether looking for gifts to put under the tree, or food to fill the family table, the Ashe County Farmer's Market will be open one more weekend to meet all of your holiday needs. The butchers, the bakers and the candlestick makers will be there, along with many others.

Farmers will be on hand selling organic meats, eggs and a selection of late produce, such as apples and potatoes. Bakers will be teasing the senses with freshly made breads, cakes, pies and treats to satisfy every taste bud. Candlestick makers will have poured their best smelling holiday scents into decorative jars.

There is so much to choose from-no matter who the shopper, there truly is something for everyone: jars of honey, and homemade jams, handmade wooden furniture, quilts and other cozy country crafts, wooden trains and toys, local lotions, soaps and ointments, jewelry, purses, scarves and hats, plus many other items that can't be found anywhere else.

And it wouldn't be an Ashe County Christmas without some of that famous High Country greenery. Of course there will be evergreen wreaths, centerpieces and garland for sale. The aroma of Fraser fir and other evergreens only adds to the warm feelings stirred on such cold days. Hot apple cider, candy canes and Christmas cookies also add to the familiar flavor of the small town gatherings.

The last Homegrown and Handmade Christmas market will take place this Saturday, December 13 on the Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.