FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 15, 2013) – More than 35 vendors selling locally produced vegetables, native plants and flowers, prepared foods, fresh baked goods, all-natural products, crafts and more will converge on JetBlue Park for eight weeks in February and March.
Beginning Feb. 4, each Monday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m., Fenway South Drive in front of JetBlue Park will be host to the Fenway South Farmer’s Market that will include local produce, cheeses, flowers, fresh pastas, seafood, baked breads, meats, herbs, organic vegetables, crafts, soaps, candles, ready-to-eat meals and live music.
JetBlue Park at Fenway South, the Red Sox’s new 106-acre Spring Training and Player Development Complex, is located at 11500 Daniels Parkway.
“The vendors are very excited to be able to utilize the space and location of JetBlue Park to promote their locally produced products and wares to neighboring communities as well as the Boston Red Sox fans,” said Betsy Ventura, who along with Jean Baer owns Local Roots, LLC and will run the market at JetBlue each Monday. “Farmer’s markets have been growing in popularity, and this is the perfect time of year to shop local in the open air and beautiful Florida sunshine.”
Ventura and Baer also operate the Lakes Park and Sanibel Farmer’s Markets.
“We are very excited that Lee County’s newest open-air market is coming to JetBlue Park,” said Katie Haas, director of Florida business operations. “This market is a great way to kick-off the Spring Training season and just another one of the unique ways Fenway South is being utilized for the Southwest Florida community.”
According to Baer, they are expecting to add additional vendors leading up to the Feb. 4 start date. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or provide live entertainment can call 239-691-9249 or email jmbaer@comcast.net.
The current list of 2013 vendors for the market include:
- Barkies – Organic dog treats
- Beignets – Made-to-order Beignets, a New Orleans treat
- Big Cheese – Artisan cheeses
- Blue Sky Jewelry – Hand-crafted jewelry
- Calamondin Café – Homemade treats made from the Calamondin fruit from Pine Island
- Cat Paws Designs – Hand-sewn pet beds
- Chef Roberts Kitchen – Mediterranean foods including 11 types of hummus
- Dominga Flowers – Fresh-cut flowers and potted plants
- Dragon Fly Soap – Handmade soaps
- Dynasty Guacamole – Freshly made Guacamole and salsa on site
- Elfie’s Deli – German deli foods
- Ernesto and Luigi Sauces – Homemade marinara sauce and pastas
- Farmer Mike – Bonita Springs farmer’s fresh fruit, veggies and flowers all locally grown
- Frills – Jewelry, art and funky clothes
- Gallego’s Farm Fresh – Local produce
- Gone Nuts – Homemade peanut butters and roasted peanuts
- Green Ivory – Fair Trade jewelry and hand-woven market baskets
- Happy Pickle – Many verities of pickles and olives
- Hemp Bamboo Clothing
- Heritage Honey – Local honey sold by the beekeeper
- I love Oils – Essential oils
- Irene Veggies – Fresh produce including organics and Asian veggies
- Jadomstuff – Handmade purses made with popular vinyl records
- JC’s Bakery – Artisan breads, danishes and cookies
- Joe’s Fresh Pasta – Fresh, homemade pastas, calzones and empandas
- Jones Barbecue – Ready-to-eat or take home ribs and pulled pork
- La French Gem – Handmade Bohemian jewelry
- Madagascar Hats – Hand-woven hats from Madagascar
- Magic Cauldron – Freshly popped kettle corn and fruit smoothies
- Moringa Tea – Moringa tea and other products made from the Moringa plant
- Nosh Truck – Gourmet food truck serving street food
- Paradise Gardens – Locally made jams, marmalades and hot sauces
- Pete’s Mozzarella – Locally made fresh mozzarella
- Pitatopia – Made-to-order pita sandwiches and salads
- Ralph’s Seafood – Local seafood
- Sift Bakery – Homemade cookies, scones and biscotti
- Smoke Signals – Smoked meats, grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and turkey
- Terry’s Power Core – Power Core bracelets
- Two Pockets – An innovative idea created to free up your hands
- Varnuts – Cinnamon-roasted nuts
- Wissota Art – Miniature art made by a local artist
The Red Sox will host 20 games in its second year at the state-of-the-art complex. The team begins its 2013 spring game schedule on Thursday, Feb. 21, with the traditional, single-admission double-header against the Northeastern University Huskies and Boston College Eagles starting at 1:35 p.m.
The 2013 spring slate features eight scheduled night games at JetBlue, including a matchup on Tuesday, March 5, with Team Puerto Rico, which will be preparing for the third World Baseball Classic.
Fans are also welcome to attend the club’s free, open-public workouts at the Fenway South Player Development Complex before games get underway. The first workout for pitchers and catchers is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 12, while the first full-squad workout is set for Friday, Feb. 15.
Betsy Ventura & Jean Baer
Gallego’s Farm
Gallego’s Farm
Dominga’s Flowers
Produce