Zachary Farmers Market — Local services in Zachary

We travel the country full-time in our RV.

My lovely wife enjoys going to any farmers market. She likes to see what local mom and pop bakers, growers and makers have that we can't live without.

It's often an opportunity to find organic baked goods or fresh produce.

On a recent Saturday, I agreed to go to a farmers market with her, while the in Zachary, Louisiana area.

I enjoy going to farmers markets with her, just 'cause I've got a crush on her.

She enjoys spending time  at a booth, looking for the perfect whatever she needs to get for whomever. That takes time.

After a few minutes, I generally begin to wander off.

It take me about five minutes to see the entire market.

I'll do laps around the market keeping my eye out for my girl. If she's at a new booth, I join her to see who is selling what.

After a couple of laps on Saturday, I reconnected with her. She had scored some treasures.

As we were strolling and chatting, I noticed a booth with lots of colorful crocheted hats. There was a grandfatherly man with an amazing full white beard sitting in the booth.

I assumed he was watching the booth for his wife or possibly his granddaughter.

Turns out I was totally wrong. He was "The Crocheting Paw Paw", and was sporting a T-Shirt to prove it.

My mistake. I prejudged him based upon his gender and age. Oops.

Unlike most sellers at markets, he immediately spoke to us as we glanced his way. He invited us to come on in and try on some hats. We complied.

I was drawn in by his natural, unobtrusive sales style. He was an easy going natural conversationalist.

His name is Nate Ford, an entrepreneurial craftsman who is doesn't fit a stereotypical mold. My kind of person.

As is the case, I started getting to know the individual behind the craft, that's my fave thing to do.

Nate had recently retired as a worker at a manufacturing company. He said he worked at the plant for thirty-five years.

After retirement, Nate learned to crochet.

People liked his hats and asked about them. Soon they wanted to know if they could buy one.

Enough people showed interest that he knew he could start a small business. This led to him getting a booth at the farmers market.

In the past three years, he has sold an a lot of hats per year, with many repeat customers who have bought up to ten hats.

The fact that he discovered his hidden talent and pursued his art after spending his working years in a factory fascinated me.

I asked him if he wished he had learned to crochet earlier in life?

His response:

"No, I wouldn't have been interested in it before retirement".

Nate Ford discovered his talent and shares it with loyal fans in Louisiana.

I would definitely recommend a visit to the Zachary Farmers Market, and when you do, swing by...

People were wonderful but very small. As a vendor it was very slow and not worth the table fee or time because foot traffic and peoples willingness ti spend money is there. I need a wheelchair at times and a couple booths had rugs which made it immpossible for my chair - no chair to shopping - it feels like they are telling me handicap are not welcone at...

Was just there. Not sure why it’s called a “Farmer’s Market “. No fresh produce, only craft booths. It was a nice set up, but was looking for fresh produce. Sadly...