Published: June 14, 2008 10:19 pm         

Seelyville Farmers’ Market getting organized

Seelyville — Like the items the farmers sell, the organizers of the Seelyville Farmers’ Market hope it will do one thing — grow.

One vendor sat in the Anna Dickerson Park parking lot Saturday waiting for customers to purchase a painting, gourd bird feeder or various crocheted items at the market sponsored by the Friends of Seelyville.

“We’re just getting organized,” said Jeff Dickerson, Friends of Seelyville member. “This is our first session, and people’s gardens are late … I have confidence it’ll come together.”

For $1, gardeners, crafters and artists can sell their goods. Items must be homegrown produce or homemade items. Flea market trinkets are not allowed.

Dickerson said he wasn’t discouraged by the turnout. He said he was excited to even have one vendor, who made at least one sale.

“I would have liked to see it busier, but next week people are coming with garden plants,” he said, noting he’s been in contact with some local artists’ groups who seemed enthusiastic. “I’m satisfied the garden part will take care of itself as the gardens come in.”

Despite being the only vendor, Jackie Hendricks of Brazil wasn’t discouraged, either.

“I don’t want to keep painting more pictures if I have to keep piling them up,” she said.

Established about two years ago, Friends of Seelyville is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the community. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the town hall.

“The goal of the Friends of Seelyville is to try to improve a sense of community,” said Wayne Langman, one of the board of directors. “If it works the way it should, by the end of the summer we’ll have a gathering place for people of the community to meet, do a little shopping and get to know others in the town.”

Other projects the Friends of Seelyville have in the works include a 5K Fun Run on July 19; a golf outing Aug. 22 at Mark’s Par 3 Golf Course; and participating in the Seelyville Street Fair at Victory Christian Church and Anna Dickerson Park on Sept. 20 and 21.

For more information, visit www.lostcreektownship.org, or call Friends of Seelyville President Martin Shew at (812) 877-1061 or (812) 877-9713.

Crystal Garcia can be reached at (812) 231-4271 or crystal.garcia@tribstar.com.