Market Vendor Seasonest Featured in Video Contest

The spice blend company was a regional finalist in a contest sponsored by Google and American Express.

Seasonest, an all-natural spice blend company based in Roswell and sold at the Whistle Stop Farmers Market in Norcross, was named one of two regional finalists from Georgia in a video contest promoted by Google and American Express. The “My Business Story” contest highlights local business stories via the Small Business Saturday toolkit available on YouTube. Businesses can use the tool to promote themselves by linking to their videos through social media or by embedding them on their web pages. Seasonest was featured on the Black Friday on the YouTube homepage, according to a press release from Google. Businesses were chosen to be featured based on three criteria: community support, customer service and innovation.

• Videos (1)

Last Day of Farmers Market, Really!

The market was rained out last week, so today you get one last chance for the season.

Updated Oct. 18 Last call: Today is the final day of the season Whistle Stop farmers market in downtown Norcross. The plan was for last week to be the grand finale, but the market was rained out.  The market, as always, will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Thrasher Park. Market patrons have enjoyed a full season of local, susitainably grown vegetables and fruit, with vendors like Hayden Grove Farms, Pheonix Garden and Sugar Tree Farm. They've also eaten up the fancy local goods, like Beam Me Up Biscotti and St. Rita's Cakes.  We know you didn't miss the Norcross Patch recipe series, featuring ingredients from the market. Just in case, check out our recipes here: Kale Chips, Zuchinni Sticks and Roasted Okra Pasta Salad, Corn and Black Bean…

• Photos (3)

Free Watermelon at the Market--While it Lasts

Swing by Whistle Stop today and pick up a juicy slice gratis.

There's one slice of summer that Norcross Patch is still hanging on to: juicy watermelon.  Rumor has it that a free slice is available at the farmers market today on a first come, first serve basis. The Whistle Stop market is every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thrasher Park in Historic Norcross.  According to a city newsletter, a local farmer, Ronnie, will serve up a free slice and also be selling melons to take home. 

• Photos (1)

How About a Cold Lemonade and a Warm Heart?

We’ve all heard the expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” For a group of Norcross kids, the words weren’t so much sage advice as they were instructions.

The story begins with Sarah Kim and her husband, known by most around Norcross merely as “Pastor” Kim.  They came to Norcross about ten years ago, started a church and began to minister to the faithful from Korea.  But recently “Pastor” Kim, now in his 60s, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – and it’s terminal. Sarah cuts hair for a living.  Now, she is the family breadwinner –which means she works most of the time, leaving little time to take care of her husband, much less simply be with him in his final days.  Most days he remains alone at home while Sarah works. That’s where the group of Norcross kids entered the picture. “Sarah and her husband mean a lot to us,” says Noel Kyle.  “We’ve known them for about nine years. So, naturally…

• Photos (2)

Special School Supply Drive at Whistle Stop Today

Bring some supplies, get some fresh, local produce.

Today, you can trade pencils for peaches at the Farmers Market--literally.  The city is asking that farmers market patrons bring in supplies for donation. In exchange they'll offer you $5 worth of treats from your favorite market vendor.  The suggested list includes ruled notebook paper, No. 2 pencils, composition books, book bags and folders with brads and pockets.  Last year, the Nocross Co-op donated school supplies for about 800 students. This year they need even more supplies, according to a notice put out by the city.  The Whistle Stop market occurs every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thrasher Park in Historic Norcross. 

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Laura Sullivan

1:24 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

My mistake Cynthia... As a market patron, I knew that! Thanks for pointing out.   more ›

Viewfinder: 'Exotic' Animals Visit Norcross, to Kids' Delight

The kids activity at Whistle Stop drew quite a crowd.

The Whistle Stop Farmers Market played host to the Wildlife Wonders animal show on Tuesday. Shauna Smith brought several animals to introduce to the families attending, including a kangaroo and skunk.

• Photos (10)

Meet Your Farmers Market Vendor

Whistle Stop Q&A: Ben Shipley Produce

A farmer from Cumming with all the summer staples.

Editor's Note: The Whistle Stop Market occurs every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. just next to Thrasher Park in Historic Norcross.  What is your name and your business’s name? Ben Shipley, Ben Shipley Produce What are you selling at this year’s Whistle Stop market?  Corn, tomatoes, beans, cabbage, pecans, lettuce, cucumbers, okra and blueberries Where’s your farm? Cumming, GA How long have you been in this business? 4-5 years Why should people buy at the farmers market vs. the grocery story? Fresh products at fair prices Why did you start your farm? As a hobby after retirement What are your growing practices? All are naturally grown and I use the UGA and USDA guidelines & recommendations.  Also, check out this recipe for zucchini sticks …

• Photos (1)

A Market-Fresh BBQ, Part 4: Grilled Peaches, Three Ways

In the final installment of the Whistle Stop challenge, we bring you warm, caramelized grilled peach recipes.

Editor's Note: Four food-loving writers have accepted a challenge: To cook a complete summer BBQ using ingredients from Whistle Stop, the local Tuesday farmers market. So far, we've given you veggie sides, pasta salad, black bean-corn salsa and cheese-stuffed bison burgers. Today we end our food challenge with some succulent dessert.  Grilled Georgia peaches are a treasure not to be overlooked at a cook-out. You've got a grilled already fired up and you aren't in the mood for something heavy or overly saccharine... perfect time for a ripe grilled peach. Here are three ways to please a crowd. Choose one--or choose them all: Lazy Man's Peach Cobbler  Three peaches from Pearson Farm 3 Tbsp butter 6 to 10 Tbsp yellow cake mix 3 tsp ground …

• Photos (6)

A Market-Fresh BBQ, Part 3: Goat Cheese-Stuffed Bison Burger

A bison burger stuffed with goat cheese is the main course for the Whistle Stop food challenge.

Editor's Note: Four food-loving writers have accepted a challenge: To cook a complete summer BBQ using ingredients from Whistle Stop, the local Tuesday farmers market. So far, we've filled you up with veggie sides galore, a summery pasta salad and zesty corn and black bean salsa. Now we're serving the main course. Save room for tomorrow: grilled peaches three ways.  Cheese-Stuffed Bison Burger 1 lb of Anderson Meats ground bison (for three to four burgers) 1 shallot 1 1/2 Tbsp of Worcestershire sauce 1 fresh egg Fresh chives 1 small disk of goat cheese, about an inch in diameter (goat gouda for a more stable burger or creamier soft goat cheese for a richer taste) Buns Standard burger dressings: tomato, Vidalia onion and lettuce. Optional, …

• Photos (3)

A Market-Fresh BBQ, Part 2: Pasta Salad and Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Light, fresh fare for a picnic or BBQ, using ingredients picked up at Whistle Stop.

Editor's Note: Four food-loving writers have accepted a challenge: To cook a complete summer BBQ using ingredients from Whistle Stop, the local Tuesday farmers market. Yesterday we served up your recommended allowance of greens; today we bring your bright, lovely sides. In the next days, we'll unveil a buffalo burger and a bounty of grilled peach dishes, as well.  Summery Pasta Salad This pasta salad was inspired by the copious amounts of colorful and flavorful veggies available at the market. Made with beautiful cherry tomatoes, fresh zucchini and artisanal Pappardelle’s Pasta, it is a light and easy side dish for a summer meal. 1 lb Pappardelle’s Italian Pesto Pasta Blend (or other type of fusilli or bowtie pasta) 1 red bell pepper 5 …

• Photos (5)