CLEWISTON  -- Locals flocked to an event called “The Market on Bond," on Saturday, March 13. The pop-up market was filled with fresh local produce and delicious baked goods. It was a collaborative event, held in Clewiston at Common Grounds Coffee Shop located at 104 Bond Street, which included breads from the locally famous baker, Shannen Leahy of Caloosa Kitchen, and gifts from Seasons 3:1, a unique boutique also located on Bond St.

 

Organizer Becky Jackman joined forces with Common Grounds Coffee Shop, Seasons 3:1, LLC., and The Caloosa Kitchen to bring local produce and baked goods to Bond Street!”

 

"Food is nature’s medicine. A daily intake of fruits and vegetables is the best way to be proactive about your health. The faster you can get the produce from time it is harvested to your plate the more nutrients you will benefit from and fresh produce just tastes better," said Jackman. "When I go to the store I look for USA, locally grown products and that is not always easy to find even though we live in an agricultural community."

"What better way to respect the seasons, our health, and the local farmers then a fresh market?

When I started to ask around I found a lot of people were thinking the same thing. I thought I could buy produce in bulk from local farmers and bring it downtown," Jackman explained. "I started meeting with Bond Street business owners, Caloosa Kitchen, and some very generous farmers for options and advice."

She went on, "Together we came up with the idea to host a small market bi-weekly until the growing season ends about mid-April to generate an interest and see if this is something the community would like to see on a larger scale."

“There were beautifully crafted and fresh artisan breads and premium pastries,” said Clewiston resident Becky Holmes, who shopped the market, “If you haven't had a chance to savor the flavors of this micobakery you won't want to miss her, she’s absolutely amazing!” 

The market also featured a large variety of fresh produce such as broccoli, bok choy, kale, peppers, squash, sweet corn, cabbage, herbs, celery, radishes, peanuts, collards, mustard greens, and anything else Jackman could get her hands on.

"All grown in Florida,” she said.

“Season 3:1 has the coolest repurposed and upcycled gifts!” said Kelly Sanchez, who stopped by just before the market closed. “I can’t wait to shop another one! Next time I’ll get here early!” 

 

The event was such a great success, Jackman hopes to hold more in the future, "Maybe a series of this type of event monthly running from October-March with more vendors showcasing perishable local goods." 

 

The Market on Bond will be open again on March 27, 2021 from 9:00am-1:00pm. Check for updates on The Market on Bond’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Market-on-Bond-109528857859836/