For the week of June 18 - 24, 2003

Hailey Farmers’ Market provides a bounty

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

Flaxseed oil has as much appeal to the non-health nut as cod liver oil. But Julia Powel and Ernie Zinie of Jerome are selling it fairly well at the Hailey Farmers’ Market Thursday evenings.

"It’s very healthy," said Powel, who was in the catering business for 30 years. "It’s good for blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, and it stabilizes blood sugar."

Powel and Zinie who import most of their flaxseed from Canada are just two of the merchants who turn up each week when the block of Croy Street west of Main is blocked off for merchants to hawk their wares.

If flaxseed doesn’t whet your appetite, you may want to check out the homemade pies, fresh flowers, wild meats, Great Harvest bread, honey or local produce that are available.

There is usually some music playing while people shop and catch up with neighbors, said market manager Mark Cook. "The Market is in its 10th year. It started in Hop Porter Park, but it moved down here at the request of the Hailey Merchants Association."

The market has a double function. It gets people into the commercial district and it provides vendors with an outlet.

And it’s not all about food. Kathleen Cantu of Sassy Vintage and Carrie Berndt of Cat’s Pajama share a stall where they sell their handmade purses, decorative mirrors and jewelry. Other merchants sell candles, soap and seasoned sea salt.

The commercial impact extends even beyond the various stalls and conveyances of goods.

"It does help out," said Bill Horton of Big Bad Bill’s music store. "It’s a shot in the arm."

Musicians perform outside the Hailey Public Library accompanying the festival spirit each week.

Michael White, who is going to be in the Patsy Cline tribute playing next month at the Liberty Theater, entertained last week with a number by Michelle Shocked among other tunes.

"It’s worthwhile to come down," said Jim Morrison of Hailey. He and his son Cole rode bikes to the market to pick up some sausage, honey and bread. "Last week I came with my daughter."

"At the height of the season we will have 25 to 28 vendors," said Cook. "Our primary mission is to provide an outlet to all farmers. We are open to anyone."

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