Popularity Growing For Tulsa Farmers' Markets

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Small farmers' markets have become big businesses across the United States. Agriculture Department figures show the number has nearly doubled in the last ten years. Supporting local people and eating fresher food is a couple of reasons given for the growth.

It was an average day at the Wednesday farmers' market in Brookside at 41st and Peoria. Adrienne Kobylinski drove down from Bartlesville for some apples.

"The food is fresh and local and good," said Adrienne Kobylinski, a market customer.

Adrienne says she's a regular on Wednesdays. The apples are for her husband's lunch. She pointed out that the leaves on some of the apples were still green. She says it can't get much fresher than that.

Rachelle Bertini is also a regular at the farmers' market. She says it is good for more than food.

"She has a special on her mums today. Two for $15, which is really good and they're gorgeous," said Rachelle Bertini, a market customer.

Rachelle also picked up a pumpkin, to make homemade pumpkin pie.

Is it true that everything at the farmers' market is more expensive than at a grocery store?

"Some things are, but the quality is so much better and you support local people and local economy," said Rachelle Bertini.

Rachelle says she likes the atmosphere and the community of the farmers' market, which is one of the reasons given in USDA reports. The sense of community this offers and knowing more about the sources of the food we eat -- where it came from and who grew it.

"And they say they appreciate what we are doing," said Don Drury, Bootstrap Farm.

Don Drury and Chelsea Coleman operate Bootstrap Farm. The News On 6 visited them in Bixby not long ago. The venture has been successful. They've bought a bigger place near Cushing.

"I enjoy what I'm doing. It's been a lot of fun," said Don Drury.

Saturday is the last day for the Cherry Street Farmers' Market at 15th and Peoria. The last Wednesday at 41st and Peoria is in three weeks, on October 21st.