Herbs and flowers abound on first market day ReEtta Sipes, Pyrmont, shops for herbs at the season's first Delphi Farmers' Market June 18. Sipes also plans to become a vendor in the near future. Comet photo When a new venture launches in a less-populated community, it sometimes seems small but has the potential to be mighty. Such was the situation when a new twist on an old concept was initiated last week in Delphi.

The grand opening of Delphi Farmers' Market was June 18. Two vendors sold bedding plants, perennials and early produce to shoppers. Both sellers said they were satisfied with the results of the first day of business and anticipated more vendors joining in as summer progresses.

True to form, a third vendor registered with market manager Anita Werling to participate in the next market and a fourth obtained an application for the future.

The second market, today, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Market St., located on the west side of the courthouse, is expected to offer for sale a greater variety of produce, such as beets, kohlrabi, peas, radishes, onions, cabbage, lettuce, endive.

A banner will span the Market St. entrance to attract the passing traffic on Main St. as an addition to the first week.

A special feature at Wednesday's market will be a display by the Delphi, Flora, and Burlington public libraries highlighting the Carroll County on the Same Page program. This year's Same Page selection, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," by Barbara Kingsolver, highlights one family's return to locally grown produce and products produced within an hour's drive. Library staff will be on hand with copies of the book which can be borrowed by county residents. Also available will be brochures about the series of programs planned around the book plus book lists of additional reading for those interested in organic gardening, healthy eating, etc.

The farmers' market promotes local farmers and crafters and encourages shopping in Delphi's downtown. A flyer, designed to identify downtown businesses and their locations, will be distributed at each Wednesday market The advertisement is one component of the marketing strategy for the season-long event.

Delphi Farmers Market is sponsored by the City of Delphi, Delphi Main Street, Delphi Chamber of Commerce, and Carroll County Agriculture Association. For further information, contact Anita Werling at (765) 564-2169 or Jean Howell at 564-6692.