The weather outside might be frightful, but sampling the offerings at the River City Farmers Market can be so delightful.
Local produce, homemade baked goods and crafts are just a few of the items available, just in time for Christmas.
Gary Smith, 65, of the Coal Run area has been president of the farmers market for the past three years. Retired from the Marietta Fire Department, Smith now spends his time gardening and woodworking.
"It's just something to tinker with," said Smith, who makes everything from trash bins to wine cabinets to baby beds.
A few of the items Smith has created will be for sale at the Christmas at the Market event this Saturday, along with jams and jellies created by his wife, Janet.
"She has about 80-some varieties," Smith said, adding that most of the berries are found on the couple's property.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Christmas at the Market.
Where: River City Farmers Market, Washington County Fairgrounds in the rabbit and poultry building.
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Details: More than 90 vendors, cookies, cider, a visit from Santa Claus
For more information: rivercityfarmersmarket.org
The Smiths will join about 90 vendors from around the Mid-Ohio Valley selling everything from baked goods and meats to feather art and candles.
And the crafts are not just your run-of-the-mill items. They are juried, according to Smith, with a ratio of three farm goods to one craft.
Even with snow blanketing the ground, fresh produce is still available year-round.
"Some people have greenhouses where they can grow cold crops," said Smith.
Among these winter veggies are sweet potatoes and cabbage.
Vendors will also donate items for gift baskets to be raffled at 10 a.m. Anyone who attends the market on Saturday, or previously attended on Dec. 4 or 11, and received a ticket, is eligible for the free drawing.
