June Wentworth went looking for a pleasant walk around the lake on a sunny morning at Zephyr Park and before she knew it, the 83-year-old found herself in the arms of a dance partner who glided her through the bittersweet memories of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance.”
Gospel singer Kris Pierce had just sold a copy of his CD to Wentworth who was impressed enough to say yes to her surprise of the day – the singer’s invitation to dance.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
“He’s got a great voice,” said Wentworth, a Maine native visiting Zephyrhills for a couple of weeks.
She had stopped at Zephyr Park for that quiet walk and discovered the Zephyrhills Artsy Farmers’ Market, off State Road 54 at 38116 Fifth Ave.
Pierce and his wife, Melissa, were at the market for their second time.
The singer is a frequent entertainer at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and Ralph’s Travel Park, both in Zephyrhills.
During the farmers’ market, Pierce sang covers and original tunes under the gazebo at water’s edge. His wife, Melisssa, sat at a display table covered with her husband’s CDs, collections that range from gospel songs to covers of Elvis Presley.
“I do a little bit of everything,” Pierce said. “Pretty much everything but heavy metal and rap.”
He was among about 15 vendors who set up tents and displays under the cathedral canopy of oak trees near the park’s entrance.
The market got its start downtown in Times Square Park on Fifth Avenue with just a few vendors about a year ago.
In October, the market moved to the larger and more tranquil setting of Zephyr Park.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the second Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each month. Beginning April 25, the market will become a fourth-Saturday-only event.
The market, staged by Largo-based Simply Events, needs more vendors.
Owner Sonya Bradley hopes to eventually have about 30 businesses selling everything from cheese to breads to specialty foods. “We’re going to keep adding to it,” she said.
Ashley Samnani, who sells Rainbow vacuums and cleaning supplies, was among the original group of vendors who launched the market at the downtown location.
Samnani likes the park setting much better.
“Now (the market) is growing expansively,” she said.
On a recent Wednesday, the Brandon resident had a drawing at the park to give away three air purifiers.
“It’s nice that it’s in this location,” Samnani said. “People in the park visit (the market). It’s like a family the way we all interact.”
Keeping it local is Simply Events’ goal, said Andrew Cecere, the company’s vendor consultant.
Owners of Zephyrhills-based Peaceful Pastures Farm were on hand selling free-range eggs. The farm also produces free-range Cornish Cross broilers and turkeys.
Amanda Jones, 30, and her mother-in-law, Phyllis Stonebarger, were selling handmade items including clutches, drawstring bags, coaster sets and potholders. They spread their wares across a folding table. It was their first time at the Zephyrhills’ market.
“I’ve always wanted a sewing machine,” said Jones who lives in Wesley Chapel. “One day I bought one. I’m self-taught, a lot of YouTubes (YouTube videos).”
Natalie Avila, 21, Kornilous Donnell Sr., 25, and their 1-year-old toddler, Kornilous Donnell Jr., all of Zephyrhills, enjoyed a stroll through the park, cool drinks and fruit from Come Under the Yum Yum Tree, a produce company from Brandon.
“It adds to the community,” said Donnell Sr., “I like that they are getting vendors that are able to sell produce. Zephyrhills needs more businesses anyway. This is great.”
Pam Nethers of American Pride sold jewelry and accessories from her home-based business in Fort Myers. Lida Livingston, owner of Livs Coffee Place, sold organic coffee.
Her mobile business is based in Lakeland, but she travels for weddings, corporate events and house parties.
Maryann Hendricks, 67, brought her Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, children’s dresses and accessories from Clearwater. Her grandmother taught her to sew.
“I enjoy it,” she said. “I’m teaching my granddaughter to sew.”
For one family from Zephyrhills, jams and pickles, and baby quilts are a growing business. ITTs Homemade is an intergenerational venture that began as a fun project in the kitchen. They were among the original vendors at the downtown location.
Grandmother Irene Secrest, 80, does some of the preparations, such as peeling the apples. But she said, “I let them do the cooking.”
While her daughter, Teisha Disbrow, and granddaughters, Teresa Hicks and Tabytha Silverman, are busy canning strawberry jams, pumpkin butter, banana peppers and sweet pickles, Secrest settles down to her specialty – making baby quilts.
Their home-based business also was among the original vendors at the downtown location.
“There’s a lot more people coming here,” Hicks said. “It’s just a prettier setting.”
The next farmers’ market at Zephyr Park will be March 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For information, contact Simply Events at (727) 674-1464.
Published March 25, 2015
