Salsa Winners at the Jasper Farmers Market

Article submitted by Darla Huffman:
All of the salsas that competed in the contest at the market Saturday were very tasty, according to the judges. And as this was a people’s choice event, everyone who voted was one of the judges. The voting was close and every entry got some votes as the tasters tried to make a decision among the varied and delicious choices. The top 3 winners in the fresh salsa category were Teresa Oakley, First, June McKenzie, Second and Roxanne Janes, Third. The canned salsa winners were Roxanne Janes, First, and Carla Buras, Second. Some of the winners opted to give their winnings to the Friends of the Animal Shelter of Pickens County, whose presence as a market vendor this year prompted the committee to donate half the proceeds to this charity and half to CARES, the usual recipient.

Want to taste some more salsa? Come to the market on August 16 when the winners of three regional farmers markets, River Church Market and Waleska Market, will send their contest winners to Jasper to determine the Best Salsa Maker in two counties. Taste all of the prize-winning salsas and vote for the people’s choice winner.

It is always good to have ambitious young entrepreneurs at the market such as the two sisters, Kari and Laura Henke, students at Pickens High School. They have hand painted clay pots with original designs that can add interest to your patio or porch; a chance to buy a useful piece and support a worthwhile endeavor.

One of the more colorful spots at the market is Brenda Romesberg’s display of stain glass windows. A variety of subjects and skillful technique have made Brenda’s work popular at the market this year. Beth Olsen has worked along side of Brenda and has made a few windows herself.

The Jasper Farmers Market is held on Saturday morning (April through October) and Wednesday morning (June 18 through August) from 7:30 am to 12 noon in the Park n Ride lot at Lee Newton Park on Hwy 53 in Jasper; except for Marble Festival activities. New vendors are always welcome; items sold must be handmade or homegrown. The Jasper Farmers Market is a project of the Pickens County Master Gardeners.

See www.pickensmg.org for more information and complete vendor rules or call the County Extension Office at 706 253 8840.