Vendors bring variety to the Alberton Community Farmers Market

If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for at the Alberton Community Farmers Market this week, don’t worry, your favorite vendor might be back next time.

This beloved annual event draws a mix of regulars and rotating sellers, some of whom attend when they’re not busy at other markets or making more of their handcrafted goods. But one thing that’s guaranteed every single week? Smiles and friendly, welcoming faces. 

Last Thursday, Hayden Ranch from Petty Creek brought their final batch of tomato plants for the season — but they had plenty of homemade wild cherry and wild plum syrups, along with strawberry-rhubarb jam. 

“Some of the wild blackberries are almost ready, so I might miss a week or two while I’m out picking,” said Pat Hayden. “I’m not expecting a big huckleberry crop — it’s just too darn dry.” 

Pat also shared a neat discovery: old, abandoned homesteads with sweet cherry trees that still bear fruit, which she uses in her preserves. 

Lisa Doramus of Downhome Baking in Alberton has been a familiar face at the market for three years. What started with selling eggs has expanded into a full-fledged baking operation. 

“I make doughnuts, cakes, cookies — anything bready and sweet. I love experimenting and taking requests,” Lisa said with a laugh. She explained her efficient prep routine: “Wednesday nights I glaze and package everything that needs it, then mix and portion all the cookie dough. Come Thursday, it's easy-peasy to finish up before setting up.” 

Makenzie Marini, a junior at Frenchtown High School, is testing her entrepreneurial spirit by selling handmade earrings. 

“It started as a school project back in October,” she explained. “I even sent out a survey to classmates about colors and designs they’d like. So, these feel really personalized.” 

Her pieces, made from colorful glass rock beads in a variety of shapes, are uniquely eye-catching. 

Nearby, Tabitha Boyle stood proudly by her fresh egg display. 

“I have so many chickens,” she said, pointing to her cartons. “And those are quail eggs — from Coturnix and Celadon quail. They’re used for both eggs and meat, and the yolks are huge!” 

Tabitha also sells 3D-printed flexi-toys, made off-grid using solar power. Her sons played nearby with bendable printed snakes, showcasing her business, Tabi B Creations. 

“Everything we do is powered by the sun,” she said. “We do have backup diesel generators, but we rarely need them.” 

Young vendors Kendahl Harrington and Fallin Tippett brought a colorful mix of handmade goods, including macramé, crocheted items, jewelry, candles, and even rubber band crafts. 

“I started making candles two years ago,” Tippett said, “and just recently added the rubber band designs after learning from YouTube and TikTok.” 

Lisa Schweigert, a retired RN and owner of Ruff Pawz, has been making soap for 35 years and finally turned her passion into a business five years ago. Her stall featured a beautifully arranged selection of handcrafted soaps, herbal salves, lotions, lip balms, and more. 

“This is my main weekly market,” she said. “I’ll also be at the Summer Celebration in Fort Benton (Montana) and the 9-Mile Community Center craft show. I love that place — I used to be on their board.” 

Cookies, cupcakes and sourdough bread are the staples of the bakery department of the 4 Bear Ranch when they are at vending events, but owner Julie Van Hise and her husband, Christopher, brag about the quality and flavor of their pork and beef. 

“OK, I’m biased,” Julie said. “But I swear it is phenomenal in flavor.” 

Processed at Superior Meats, they have slaughter appointments scheduled almost a year out. Both retired from the U.S. Air Force, this ‘deployment’ in Huson is the most enjoyable than previous assignments.  

In the middle of the lot, Milton Pearce, also known as the unofficial "Onion King" of the county, sold herbs, onions and shallots out of the back of his truck. 

“I’ve got basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and lavender,” he said. 

Shoppers snapped up his flowers and veggies, even if Memorial Day planting has passed. 

Pearce also sells at the Superior Saturday Market and the new Friday evening market in St. Regis, so his appearances in Alberton may be limited. But local farm Cresent Ridge will soon be joining the market as a regular, bringing even more fresh produce and flowers. 

The Alberton community remains deeply engaged, even amid tough decisions like recent school budget cuts affecting music and STEM programs. Despite the challenges, support for students remains strong. 

Two students from the robotics program recently qualified for nationals in Atlanta, but the trip costs about $8,000, with a $1,500 funding gap still looming. That’s where John and Mindy Squier stepped in. 

Though their children aren’t in the robotics program, the couple celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary by flipping burgers and hot dogs at the market to help raise funds. 

“If we can raise a couple hundred bucks today by volunteering our time, it’ll help,” John said. 

With permission from local authorities and an upcoming meeting with the county sanitarian, they hope to continue supporting community causes at future events. 

The Alberton Community Farmers Market runs every Thursday from mid-May through October, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., in the Senior Citizens/Library parking lot at 701 Railroad Avenue. Interested in becoming a vendor, fundraising, or sharing your music? 

Email albertonfarmersmarket@gmail.com. No sign-up or fee is required, just show up and join the fun. 

    Shoppers at the Alberton Community Farmers Market last week. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)