By Wendy Burton
Times Editor
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On Thursday afternoons families seeking fresh, locally grown produce can find everything from cantaloupe to fried pies at Spencer’s Corner.
The new Fort Gibson Farmer’s Market, open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., has seen days with plenty of sellers and days where only one turns out, said local grower and seller Dena Clopton.
Business is brisk, with cars lining up even before sellers have all of their stock on the table, said Gary Perkins, executive director of the Fort Gibson Chamber of Commerce — and last Thursday was no exception.
Before Clopton could get more than a few baskets of shiny red tomatoes on her table, several customers stopped.
Local resident Donna Wilson stopped by to grab some cantaloupe and nectarines.
She shops to support the local growers and for the good food, she said.
“Homegrown always tastes better,” Wilson said.
Clopton has been selling at the Muskogee farmer’s market for 17 years, and roadside stands for over 30, she said.
“When my boy was little I started sitting at roadside stands selling produce so I wouldn’t have to send him to a sitter,” Clopton said. “He’s 31 now.”
Clopton has an acre and half-sized garden and 500 tomato plants out, she said.
“I have Whoppers, Jet Star, Celebrities, Super Fantastics,” she said. “I try some of each to see what my dirt takes better every year.”
She also sells water and pond plants, peaches, nectarines, cantaloupe and oriental cucumbers.
In the fall, Clopton plans to plant apple trees, sell gourds, pumpkins, and Indian corn.
“I paint pumpkins too,” she said. “I’ll have all the things people like to decorate with for the fall.”
At last week’s market, only two venders showed, Clopton and Daniel Fultz.
Fultz brought cantaloupes for his uncle Jim Hargrove out of Haskell.
Linda Gloden of Fort Gibson, a market regular, headed over to the truckload of fruit to pick some cantaloupe.
“These smell really good. You can smell them on the truck,” Gloden said. “When you get close and they smell good, that’s a good sign they’re really sweet.”
Gloden then visited with Clopton, picked out a basket of Celebrity tomatoes and talked about the fried pie lady.
Though she wasn’t there last week, a woman brings fried pies for sale occasionally such as coconut, chocolate, peach, and more.
“My favorite are the raisin,” Gloden said.
Gary Perkins, executive director of the Fort Gibson Chamber of Commerce, sat in the shade and enjoyed the atmosphere Thursday.
He originally suggested starting a farmer’s market in town to the Chamber of Commerce.
Perkins wanted a place where Fort Gibson residents can buy homegrown produce, catch up with old friends and generally have a good time.
When Perkins lived in San Luis Obispo, Calif., he enjoyed the farmer’s market on Thursday nights.
“They would shut the town down, block the streets and have a massive market,” Perkins said. “It was so great.”
Residents could buy flowers, barbecue, nuts, fruits, vegetables and enjoy one another’s company, he said.
At Fort Gibson’s market, vendors have sold everything from buffalo meat to fried pies, besides fresh fruit and vegetables, he said.
“We have a great place to meet here with Totally Smokin’ BBQ, Courtyard Bistro, and Fajita Ritas,” Perkins said. “And they all stay open on Thursday evenings.”
Reach Wendy Burton at 684-2926 or wburton@ muskogeephoenix.com.
Fort Gibson Farmer’s Market
3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays, 1100 Block of East Poplar Street, Spencer’s Corner.
Vendors are required to only sell produce, plants, or other food products.
There are no vendor fees.
