By Eli Silliman
Photography Credits: Gabby Friedhoff
On a daily basis, the address of 21 W. Mountain St. in Fayetteville serves as a home for two different businesses: Tiny Tim’s Pizza and West Mountain Brewing Co. Every Saturday, however, the street turns out to be home to the Fayetteville Farmers Market with stands of products and customers from 8 am to 2 am for six hours a week.
Fayetteville’s farmers market possesses a lively, charming atmosphere all of its own. Located less than a mile from the university and Dickson Street, the area receives a lot of foot traffic every Saturday, allowing local businesses to interact with new customers every week.
Deborah McConnell, owner of Negu Leather Co., is one of the vendors selling handmade leather products.
“It’s a good opportunity to meet customers in the community,” McConnell said with a bright smile on her face. Many customers who were interested in McConnell’s wares stopped by. They seemed eager to discuss a beautiful leather handbag made by McConnell herself.
Like many other vendors, McConnell is explicitly responsible for the products on her table. She handcrafts different leather products: wallets, handbags, sheathes and many other items. They are all high-quality items, and McConnell said she was extremely proud of her work.
The square, bustling with activity, is home to an assortment of other businesses. Beautiful examples of portraits made by an artist who is available for commission, a booth of stuffed animals with brightly colored skins, and a table of hand-knit beanies, gloves, and other warm items. Most items are produce-related, with many selling plants, honeys, and their very own homegrown crops.
“Everyone is always really nice,” said Carson Hardin, a customer at the farmers market. “I really enjoy the people here. They all have really good energy about the things they do. There’s a lot of passion.”
Hardin was just one of dozens of customers laughing and smiling as they discussed products with the vendors. Many purchases left both parties grinning.
“It’s really important to support small businesses,” Hardin said. “If you have the time, the farmers market is a good place for anyone to find something they need. Plus, there are a lot of dogs, in case that is important to anyone.”