Winthrop to Host Weekly Farmer's Market

Fresh fruits and vegetables along with herbs, arts and crafts and other homegrown products were in store for visitors to the first Brandon's Saturday Market at the Pole Barn at Winthrop, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, June 2.

Organized by Wilson Almonte, president of Fat Cow Markets, the market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be open year round.

And Almonte said he already has interest from more than 50 vendors.

"We have a huge variety of vendors that have new merchandise and farm fresh products every week," said Almonte.

Vendors will sell a variety of products including fresh produce, seafood, specialty food items, jams, plants, orchids, organic products, honey, gourmet coffee, cheese, fresh-baked bread and bakery goods, body scrubs, handmade soaps, hand-crafted jewelry and wood crafts, eggs,  nuts, ethnic foods and smoothies.

He said the market will serve as a venue for the hundreds of home-based businesses in the Brandon area. He's hoping it also will serve as a weekly gathering place for the community, noting that its central location on Bloomingdale Avenue makes it accessible to residents from throughout the area.

Almonte said it's a win-win proposition for small farmers and home-based businesses as well as the community because it gives residents a chance to purchase homegrown and homemade products at reasonable prices direct from the vendor.

A portion of the booth rental proceeds will support the artists at the Beaux Arts Gallery in Winthrop.

To become a vendor, visit the market's website or contact Almonte at Wilson@goindoormarketing.com.