by Caroline Anderson, Bridget Capella and Charlotte Guilian, 

FAIRHOPE, Ala.—Vendors took part in the first Fairhope Fall Outdoor Farmer’s Market of the season behind the

Fairhope Public Library to provide local merchandise and goods on September 19, 2024.

Farmers and small businesses from the Gulf Coast assembled Thursday to sell their products, ranging from locally sourced produce to homemade baked goods.

“You really do build community because you get your community involved,” said Sisily  O’Rourke, baker behind The Quirky Mac. “[Farmer’s markets] circulate income within the community and give an opportunity for small businesses.” 

The market allows vendors to meet people in the area and grow their product outreach, especially by giving vendors without a storefront a chance to get products out there. Attendees also get the opportunity to try unique products.

Jessica and Chase Yamagata, co-creator of Ono Sweets, offered Hawaiian snacks for the community. “Right now I’m

kind of enjoying doing pop-ups and having control over when I go and what I do for my product,” said Jessica Yamagata. “[I] would love to have a storefront one day.”

Vendors said the farmer’s market benefits their businesses because it allows them an opportunity to introduce a product before transitioning it into retail stores. 

“Farmer’s markets help small businesses,” said Scott O’Rourke, owner of So Jam Delicious. “It’s like a starting platform for moving forward.” 

The event encourages consumers to buy and eat locally, while offering an alternative to the traditional ways of purchasing goods.

Cheryl Kitrell, owner of Kitrell’s Daydream Honey, has been selling at the market since the beginning. “We started doing farmer’s markets in 2008,” Kitrell said. “The local food movement is good for the community and good for your health.”

The market will be held Thursday afternoons on the corner of Bancroft and Magnolia Avenue from 3-6 p.m. until November 14.