By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
Top Photo: Soul Sweets booth with Alessia Pepe, Antonia Pepe and Larry Price.
Tuesday morning capped off the end of the 14-week period for the Millbrook Farmers Market, which has been held each Tuesday at the Village Green over the past three months.
Many of the vendors made appearances all summer long, selling fresh vegetables, homemade soaps, jellies, sweets and boiled peanuts.
An event such as this had a little bit of everything for everyone. Those with a sweet tooth had a chance to visit vendors such as Tee’s Treats and Soul Sweets. Owners of both small businesses applauded the turnout for this year’s market.
“I’ve been baking for years and this is one of the best places that I’ve ever had a chance to come to,” said Christie Mason, Owner of Tee’s Treats.
Mason, who made homemade pound cake, orange cake, apple cake and cookies, began coming to the market this year in June. Since then, it’s been nothing short of successful.
“A lot of people have come out and supported the business. It means a lot to see local community members come out and support the market the way that they have,” Mason said.
Larry Price, owner of Soul Sweets in Millbrook, echoed several of Mason’s thoughts.
“It’s been great. The community has been really supportive this summer and we want to thank everyone who came out and helped all of us out,” Price said.
Others like Kristi Barbour, owner of Heavenward Homestead in Deatsville, said that the market gave her a great opportunity to connect with the Millbrook area.
“It was a great turnout this year, and I made some really good contacts along the way,” Barbour said.
Barbour’s business, which provides homemade goat milk soaps, lip balms and more, is set to be a vendor at the new Vintage Main Street Market in Millbrook – which will have its grand opening in September of this year.
“I’m excited to get more and more involved in the Millbrook. There’s a lot of great things happening here,” Barbour said.
Ann Harper, Economic Development Director for the City of Millbrook, agrees with the views of the local business owners – explaining that the event went off without a hitch this year.
“It’s a bittersweet moment since it’s our last market for the year, but overall, it was another successful season,” Harper said. “I’m proud of Millbrook for supporting the vendors. There was consistent traffic in and out all summer, and the weather was cooperative on a weekly basis,” Harper said.
Harper explained that the city is always looking for ways to increase their number of vendors, and that they will consider splitting the market next year between Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The market ran from May 18 to August 17 this year and will return in 2022.
