Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LANDRUM—In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, the Landrum Farmers Market has emerged as a crucial hub for supporting those affected by the disaster. The Joe Cunningham, Jr. Market Pavilion, which served as a supply center for individuals without power and water, has played a vital role in aiding the community.

Despite the challenges posed by the storm, the Landrum Farmers Market demonstrated resilience by resuming its operations last Thursday evening and continuing with its usual Saturday morning schedule from 8 a.m. to noon. Vendors from various locations, including Lake Lure, Cowpens, Gramling, Campobello, Polk County, and Landrum, returned to the market, sharing their stories of adversity and loss and expressing gratitude for the support they had received.

Sheri Singh, owner of Bud & Bloom CBD Wellness Products from Lake Lure, tragically lost six sheep when a river of mud from the mountain swept away their pasture on Bill’s Creek. However, the Farmer’s Market customers and staff rallied around her in solidarity, providing much-needed support during this challenging time.

Reflecting on the efforts to resume market activities, Landrum Farmers Market Manager Lisa Gunter stated, “We met and came up with a plan, and we think we did a pretty good job of putting it together.” Assistant Manager Joanne James also emphasized the importance of supporting local small businesses and farmers, acknowledging the impact of a canceled market on vendors’ livelihoods.

The return of the Farmers Market brought together a diverse array of vendors, including Bluebird Coffee, TK Farms, Smooth Acres Finest, Thompson Family Farm, Round Bottom Farm, Saxon’s Swine, Lit’l Mushroom Farm, Barton’s Eggs, Cosmic Candy, Bob’s BBQ, Horton Homestead, Two Sisters Elderberry Syrup, Painter Red Dumonde, Freedom Acres Farm, Lukens Land & Cattle, Sprinkle Fun Market, Paint Horse Flower Farm, Hidden Creek Heritage Farm, Viktar’s Bee Farm, Cinch Spice Blends, Cindy Armstrong, Butterfly Cakes & Cookies, Ayers Market, Hive to Home Honey, Rooster Ridge Farm, The Egg Roll Lady, Calico Vineyard, and more.

Amidst the adversity caused by Helene, the Landrum Farmers Market stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit, bringing people together to support one another during challenging times.