Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market kicks off season: ‘I think it’s going to be the best year we’ve ever had’

Published 9:34 am Saturday, June 5, 2021

By Summer Stevens

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Taylor Williams paints on-site at the opening day of the Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market in 2021. Summer Stevens photo

Fresh fruits and vegetables available at the Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market. Summer Stevens file photo

Something for everyone at the Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market. Summer Stevens photo

DiSabella Designs offers handmade resin art. Summer Stevens photo

Opening day at the farmer’s market at Dowdy Park. Summer Stevens photo

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The Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market in Nags Head kicked off its season with dozens of vendors and crowds of shoppers. The market is open each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through September 9. “It was fabulous – the breeze was blowing, it was perfect,” said market coordinator Paige Griffin of opening day.

The market featured 59 local farmers, artists and crafters, though a total of 67 were accepted for the summer season. Griffin estimates 325 guests attended at the first market, but she says that number can swell to 700 in July and August. “We felt very fortunate to have as many vendors and as many guests,” she said.

As usual, the creativity of Outer Banks artists did not disappoint. Taylor Williams Studio painted on site ocean scenes for passersby, while a few booths over, DiSabella Designs displayed resin artwork that resembled the surf on trays, coasters and cutting boards.

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Baskets full of farm fresh tomatoes, strawberries and peaches in their iconic blue baskets lured produce lovers and vendors like Kitty Hawk Culinary Gardens offered vegetable and herb plants for aspiring gardeners, as well as bunched herbs for shoppers ready to get cooking. Children appreciated several booths offering snow cones or cotton candy.

No Outer Banks market is complete without coastal-inspired handmade pottery, jewelry and photography – and this year’s vendors brought their very best. Ranging in style and price, there was something for everyone who wanted to take a little bit of the beach back home with them.

Sales were high and, according to Griffin, many returning vendors sold more on opening day than on any previous market day. She attributes much of the success to local shoppers. “We’re so thankful they came out and showed their support. I think it’s going to be the best year we’ve ever had.”

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