Marian Newton, one of the spokespersons for the group responsible for the market, said weather conditions have many former market vendors looking to fill their own pantries.

“Between the drought and sand, there really isn't anything left for our producers to sell,” said Newton. “So we got together and decided to cancel this year's Farmers Market.”

The opening date for the market had been set for July 8, according to Newton, but has been cancelled — along with the rest of the market dates through the season — until producers can generate new crops.

Newton's wife, Sherry, who is also involved with the organization, said the decision was a tough one, but a recent meeting left the group with little choice.

“We held an emergency meeting with the growers, and some of them had nothing at all because of the wind and drought,” said Sherry Newton. “Others only had a dab, so there certainly wasn't enough their to support the demand from the community. We hated to have to cancel the season — this would have been our fifth year — but when you just don't have the product there isn't anything you can do.”

Newton said there is little to no chance of any late crops able to sustain a market this season, but the annual event is expected to take place next year, as long as mother nature cooperates.

“There's really no chance of anything happening with the market this year,” said Sherry Newton. “However, we fully expect to hold the market next year. Hopefully, we'll get a little more help from the weather next year.”

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it