Brazil Farmer’s Market - Creating Community

This holiday weekend, the Brazil Farmer’s Market was buzzing with various vendors and junior entrepreneurs, offering everything from fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs to fresh beef, eggs, paintings, baked goods and even a new crafting vendor.

“Both my husband and I come from farming families, so we have a great deal of knowledge of different plants and herbs. We have an herb lady who is new this season, and she’ll be doing demonstrations throughout the summer, taking people around the neighborhood and sharing her knowledge of all the different weeds and herbs and how they can enhance your health,” said Sherry Garlits. 

Owners Sherry Garlits and Jeff Short say the market, at 203 S. Sherman St., Brazil, is their retirement dream.

HAYLEY COOPER PHOTO - Young entrepreneur Isabella Barker poses with her hand painted art, showcasing her love for God.

“The retirement project is to bring Brazil Farmer’s Market to life and build a sense of community for us here. I come from a farming family in Clay County and feel strongly that a farming community should have a farmer’s market. It was a vision I had years ago to do this and sponsor it ourselves and try to bring entrepreneurs so they can move their business to the next level,” explained Short.

The market recently opened for its third season, and special days like Junior Vendor Day, the last Saturday of each month, and Ladies Day at the Market create a unique experience.

“We love supporting the kids and want to see kids come out and do this. It’s absolutely free, a safe, fun environment, and people in the community come out and support them. They are our future, and you have no idea if one tiny little spark that happens while they’re here will inspire them to go on and do something else,” said Garlits.

HAYLEY COOPER PHOTO - Deb’s Treasurers offers adorable, handmade yarn creatures for every age.

The market opens at 9 a.m. every Saturday with friendly faces and goodies. New this year, the market will be open every Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the request of their vendors.

“Our vendors would like to be at festivals at the weekends, so we’re opening Tuesday afternoons to give them another option,” said Garlits.

Short believes in creating a sense of community and always tells customers, “Thank you for shopping at YOUR Brazil Farmer’s Market. I like for people to take ownership of it, breathe life into it, pass the word along, and help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.”

Isabella Barker, one of the young entrepreneurs honing life-long skills Saturday morning, was set up to sell her paintings. She says she likes to paint and hopes to make some summer money.

“I’ve given my kids the artistic bug,” said mom Hope Barker, a local photographer “We’ve always loved to paint, and brother was supposed to come out. He made some seashell necklaces but couldn’t make it today.”

Deb Morgan, owner of Deb’s Treasurers, recently moved to Clay County from Lafayette and has been vending for around two years.

“I moved here in the fall and started doing markets in the spring. Everybody down here in Brazil, Clay County, has been very welcoming,” said Morgan.

Morgan’s yarn-made plushies had been a hit with family, and she finally decided to share the joy with others. She says her favorite part of vending is seeing the reactions.

“I enjoy seeing the look on people’s faces when they see them,” described Morgan.

For any vendors interested in setting up this summer, please get in touch with The Brazil Farmer’s Market at BrazilFarmersMarket@gmail.com or (812) 605-4201.