Enduring bone-chilling temperatures and frequent wind gusts, vendors sold their wares at the Olney Farmers and Artists Market on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 11:00 a.m. until about 2:30 p.m., when they decided to shut down a half-hour early to catch the football game.

But the Edelen family found a way to stay warm: they brought their own heaters.  Lana Edelen, who together with her husband owns Homestead Farm in Faulkner, MD, drove 65 miles to be at the one day only Winter Market.  Despite the cold temperatures, the Homestead Farm stall had an impressive display of produce thanks to their six greenhouses with raised beds. Homestead Farm grows tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard and a greens mix with a variety of Asian greens.  In the fields, they are growing kale, mustard, broccoli, radishes and tat soi- an Asian spinach. 

Michael Edelen, Lana's son, who was also working the stall, said that customers were lining up even before the market opened. When asked about the day's turnout, he seemed satisfied. "It's not bad for this time of year," he said.  Homestead Market sells produce year round at the Farmers' Markets in Takoma Park and Falls Church.

Although shivering under their tent, the vendors from Frederick Cellars were enthusiastic about being at the market.  Katie Mullen explained that recently passed legislation now allows local vineyards to sell wine at Farmers' Markets. 

"I enjoy this market, the feel of it," Mullen said. "It's a good mix of good vendors and good food."  

Her colleague Natasha agreed, "It's fantastic!  It's worth it to be out here in the cold!" 

Frederick Cellars also sells year round at the Bethesda Farmer's Market.

Pat Barnes had to hold on to her tent to keep it from blowing away.  "It's been a pretty good day today, except for the periodic gusts of wind," Barnes said.  Barnes's brainchild She's Gone Nuts, a flavored nuts business, had a successful day.  She sold out of the "coffee in a nut" flavor and almost sold out of other flavors. 

Barnes said that she originally planned only to sell the "cinnamon sweet" nuts for the holidays, but she noticed that the other flavors were becoming popular, so she decided to continue to sell all four flavors, even though it meant more work. 

Flavors for sale were "cinnamon sweet," "savory spice," "mildly curry" and "coffee in a nut."  Packages of nuts were sold in decorated gift bags with ribbons or in gold boxes that doubled as Christmas ornaments.  She's Gone Nuts! will be selling their nuts at the Carroll County Agricultural Center on Saturday, Dec. 11 and 18 and every second Sunday in Old Ellicott City.

Steven Howard, chocolatier and owner of Steven Howard Confections, said that he was also relieved that his tent didn't blow over.  "The morning went well," Howard said, adding that overall the customer turnout was good.  He has some regulars who turn out every week and some of them came out this week, despite the cold.  He appreciated it, he said, and is looking forward to coming back to the Olney market next year.  Howard sells his chocolates to local restaurants, and sells to the public exclusively at the Olney Farmers and Artists Market. 

Janet Terry, President of the Olney Farmers and Artists Market, also appreciated the community support on such a cold day.

"It was cold, but we were thrilled with the turnout and the spirit," said Terry. "We even had customers waiting to start shopping when we opened at 11 a.m.  And most of our vendors seemed to be very happy with the day. We were so pleased the community did so much to help make the day a success."