Farmers market aficionados might recall Four Seasons Market, a string of markets that opened in the suburbs in 2010 and 2011. Now a branch will debut at The Village at Fairview, where it will set up every Saturday and Sunday beginning November 9.
Four Seasons Market is the "European-style" market organized by Vincent Hirth, a native of France who favored suburban cities such as Colleyville and Sachse. One has remained open in Richardson, on Campbell Road in the parking lot of the North Texas Event Center.
November might seem an odd time to open, but founder Vincent Hirth's definition of a European-style market incorporates more than veggies and fruit.
November might seem an odd time to open a farmers market, but Hirth's definition of a European-style market incorporates more than veggies and fruit: grass-fed beef, pasta, olive oil, pastries, chips and salsa, smoked meat, tamales, soaps, lotions, hair accessories, garden decor, jewelry, and fine arts.
"We will have one local farm and probably some greens and carrots, but we don't do produce resellers," Hirth says. "It's going to be limited because of the season. We'll do a mix of produce, specialty foods and crafts.
"It allows you to support small local companies who might not yet be selling their wares in a regular store. It allows someone who is thinking about starting a business to make something they’re good at – 'My family says I make good pie' – and maybe make some money."
Vendors include Reeves Family Farms; La Esperanza Farm; Terra Sienna Grass Fed Beef; Florine Bowman Pastries; Lucidos Pasta; PosiCandles; GGS Gardens; AP Apiaries honey; Designs by Diana jellies, jams and relishes; Fit N Fresh to Go chips and salsa; and Carnival Popcorn.
Hirth's market also serves as an in-between platform for vendors who sell at other markets during the summer. "Vendors with good products are hard to find," he says. "I wait until all the markets are closed, and then invite them to join since nothing else is open during that time."
The Village at Fairview is on the northeast corner of US 75 and Stacy Road. The market will set up by the Village Fountain, facing the Village Beach and a community garden. Hours will be 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday.
Hirth had a similar arrangement with the Firewheel Center in Garland, but he says the costs to run it were too high. He also ran a market for six months in Portland, Oregon, over the summer.
"I’ve been working with the City of Fairview for two years, and I'm glad it's finally happening," he says. "Hopefully it helps the vendors, and encourages people to come to the Village."
Produce pickings at Four Seasons Market will be limited to basics such as greens and carrots.
