Spring is here in full bloom,  and all the wonderful aspects of it have arrived. For us, spring signals the beginning of the Kershaw County Farmer’s Market.  We look forward to buying some plants and some fresh veggies from other farmers who got a jump  on us in planting, and  are now reaping the rewards for their gamble in planting early.  It is also a  time  to reconnect with our familiar friends, and hopefully make some new ones. For us farming is not only about growing delicious products, but cultivating special friendships too. Recently we received a note from one of our customers. He stated, “Ever since I began buying from local farmers, I have not only appreciated the fresh, delicious products, but also the personal relationships that I am able to have with those whose work to provide food for my household. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re all connected here in this world and that we owe it to each other to help out.” It was a reminder for us of what we do and why we do it.

We have written several  previous articles about the importance of supporting local businesses. It is something we really believe in, and try to support with our shopping dollars. We wish we truly express just how important it is. The local business owners are  some of the same people whose children participate in recreation department activities, attend cultural activities at the Fine Arts Center, attend church in the community, bank at the local bank or support the programs at our local library. They are invested in this community, call it home and want to see it prosper. At least, we can say that  about our family business. When you support the local community it does return back to  the community. Every dollar spent at an independent local owned business is recirculated throughout the community many times. Money spent at national chains leaves almost as quickly as you spend it. The ills of Kershaw County are the same ills of the local business owner, but not necessarily that of the share holder in New York or California of the big corporate store. Maybe, we could stand on the street corner or shout it from the highest point in the county.

Never the less, some do not  understand or maybe do not care how important or what it can mean. Robin was amazed while shopping at a local chain store, she saw an employee from another store, who was in their uniform, shopping at this store. I have also seen an employee from one particular grocery store shopping at a competitors. NO, she is not a stalker,  just  a people watcher, and has a decent memory when it comes to remembering people. She wished she was brave enough to go up those people and say, “Hello, who do you think pays your salary? Where does the money for those  said salary come from?”  She was not. So we guess we will offer our opinions here instead. Well, we guess we can climb down off our soap box for now.

We’d like to invite you to grab your wallet, shopping bag and come visit not only us, but all the other wonderful vendors at the market.  If you have never been, we think you will enjoy your time shopping  and supporting our local economy.  If you already support the market, please accept our sincere appreciation for all you do in providing an economic impact not only for our family, but others too. Our way of saying thank you to you personally is simple, come see us on opening day at the market. If you mention you read this article, then  we will give you  5 percent off your total purchase. It really does pay to support local businesses.

Everyone can use some beautiful  and colorful blooms  in their life, so come on down to the farmer’s market. After all, it is that time of the year.

The Kershaw County Farmers Market opens Saturday, April 14 from 8 a.m. to noon behind First Community Bank at 631 W. DeKalb St. Camden. It will be open each Saturday until the third