Originally Posted by JoMar (Post 1100203)

There isn't a vendor inside TV that makes their own stuff...

Originally Posted by bluedivergirl (Post 1100178)

They aren't growing the vegetables in The Villages. They are growing them in surrounding communities ~ the same communities Marion Market serves.

"Price thingy" is always an issue, no matter how much or little you may have.

I am one of those who grew up dirt poor, as did DH. You don't accumulate wealth by spending it without obtaining the best value ~ and the best value is not necessarily the cheapest.

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist (Post 1100242)

My turn...uptown Girl hit the nail. Not much in local produce survives this heat. And if you want great local tomatoes, there are not any. You could blame somebody, or go north. I like Tennessee tomatoes, and I would guess it they are all gone by now too.

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 1100427)

There is a vendor near the Walmart on CR 466 that right now has Tennessee beefsteak tomatoes, purchased some on Thursday. And they are good.

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl (Post 1100011)

We went last Saturday- it rained just before 9 a.m. there- that could have been a deterrent for some shoppers.

I have been very happy with all the produce I have purchased there and the vast majority of the fresh vegetables ARE home grown.
Let me correct that statement. Home Grown IN SEASON.

I do not agree that the prices of the fresh produce are high.
I do not agree that they are considerably higher than the Market of Marion.
Not at all.

Compare the prices/quality to anywhere else and consider what it takes to get them to that stand in the market. These are local families making an honest living.

I DO agree that some of the NON- produce 'specialty' booths have higher prices than you can find elsewhere.... but some of those products are not FOUND elsewhere- so buy them or don't, as you wish.

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 1099985)

There's that price thingy again. Whatever happened to support your community?

Originally Posted by JoMar (Post 1100155)

My community ??? These venders are from places throughout central Florida. And I wouldn't consider the Market of Marion folk as being from a foreign country.

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 1100438)

Where did you conclude that most of the produce is home grown. Look at the packing boxes behind the booths. Most of the produce is actually purchased for resale at wholesale markets.

Originally Posted by My Daily Run (Post 1099977)

As you know I try to promote Brownwood as I just posted about it. I normally go on Sat. morning. I shop at the stores and then I hit the farmers market. I was there last week and the fruit and vegetable stands (there are not many at this time of the year) were nearly giving away their product as it was so slow. It could be a win, win for everyone if you go and check it out. Helps you and the vendor. We don't want to lose them...