MONTICELLO - This week is Georgia peaches week at the new Sugar River Farmer's Market on Wisconsin 69.
Cherie and Bill Bell, founders of the market and owners of Sugar River Vineyards and Pastries located one mile north of the market on Washington Road, are featuring pastries made with Georgia peaches.
Other vendors will be offering jams and jellies, cheese and fresh produce from southern states, including peaches and melons.
Cherie said more local produce will be offered as it becomes available.
The market is looking for more vendors, but there is a charge for a space depending on the amount of time each vendor wants to participate and if it requires electrical service.
"We are growing a farmers market," Cherie said.
The farmers market and the couple's vineyard and bakery were a "leap into faith," Cherie said.
"Sometimes you just have to follow your heart," she said.
While the new grape vines get established, the Bells started a licensed bakery in their home.
The Bells moved to Wisconsin from Texas a few years ago for Cherie's job when it was moved to Fitchburg. But Bill didn't want to live in the city, so the couple bought a small farm in Green County. Eventually, Cherie's position with her company was cut.
Over time, Bill had noticed that the well-drained, grassy knoll just south of Charlie's Warehouse, a landmark to local residents, would be a good place for a farmer's market. A sign, banners and electrical sources were added, and the Sugar River Farmer's Market was born. On June 25, their market opened.
The Bells will be using a marketing strategy of "free coffee and pastries Tuesdays," Cherie said.
"We thought people could stop in and get a free coffee and pastry on their way to work," Cherie said.
But the Bells have found the market becoming more than a source of good food. They have met area residents, found local suppliers for their bakery and even saw a man accepting a job for his trucking business.
"There's no reason we can't promote local businesses," Bell said. "That's what it's all about, enjoying each other's company and the community."
Sugar River Farmer's Market is open each week from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday.
On Saturday, for one time only, the market will also be open from 8 a.m. to noon.
The new market hours compliment Monroe's Farmers Market, which is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, Cherie said. Monroe's Farmers Market isn't open July 3 because of the holiday.
Vendor applications are available at the market and is linked on the Monticello page at www.badger-trails.com.
Cherie and Bill Bell, founders of the market and owners of Sugar River Vineyards and Pastries located one mile north of the market on Washington Road, are featuring pastries made with Georgia peaches.
Other vendors will be offering jams and jellies, cheese and fresh produce from southern states, including peaches and melons.
Cherie said more local produce will be offered as it becomes available.
The market is looking for more vendors, but there is a charge for a space depending on the amount of time each vendor wants to participate and if it requires electrical service.
"We are growing a farmers market," Cherie said.
The farmers market and the couple's vineyard and bakery were a "leap into faith," Cherie said.
"Sometimes you just have to follow your heart," she said.
While the new grape vines get established, the Bells started a licensed bakery in their home.
The Bells moved to Wisconsin from Texas a few years ago for Cherie's job when it was moved to Fitchburg. But Bill didn't want to live in the city, so the couple bought a small farm in Green County. Eventually, Cherie's position with her company was cut.
Over time, Bill had noticed that the well-drained, grassy knoll just south of Charlie's Warehouse, a landmark to local residents, would be a good place for a farmer's market. A sign, banners and electrical sources were added, and the Sugar River Farmer's Market was born. On June 25, their market opened.
The Bells will be using a marketing strategy of "free coffee and pastries Tuesdays," Cherie said.
"We thought people could stop in and get a free coffee and pastry on their way to work," Cherie said.
But the Bells have found the market becoming more than a source of good food. They have met area residents, found local suppliers for their bakery and even saw a man accepting a job for his trucking business.
"There's no reason we can't promote local businesses," Bell said. "That's what it's all about, enjoying each other's company and the community."
Sugar River Farmer's Market is open each week from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday.
On Saturday, for one time only, the market will also be open from 8 a.m. to noon.
The new market hours compliment Monroe's Farmers Market, which is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, Cherie said. Monroe's Farmers Market isn't open July 3 because of the holiday.
Vendor applications are available at the market and is linked on the Monticello page at www.badger-trails.com.