Larry Veatch, Master Leather Smith
Larry started doing leatherwork in 1965 by working in a saddle shop after school and on the weekends. He has since worked at another saddle shop and custom chap shop. Larry has completed and won awards, against leather workers from all over the world. He has studied the craft under some very big names in the leather field and used to teach leather carving at the local Tandy store and the local leather craft club. He has even been invited to go to Czechoslovakia to teach leather crafting. Now he works at his hobby when his time and health allow him too.
Jane Gaughran, Tyedye Garden
Jane grows organic heirloom and Non-GMO produce and herbs; some that are unusual and very colorful. She also grows flowers and plants because she loves the colors and appreciates the miracle of life growing from a seed. She has 12 chickens that lay different hues of brown eggs and three that lay blue eggs that she sells at the market as well.
Sisi Cho, New Roots
Sisi is a third-year farmer at New Roots and a refugee from Myanmar. Before coming here, Sisi was living in a refugee camp in Thailand. She was the first New Roots farmer to sell produce this year at the KC Eat Local and Organic Expo in early April. As a train passes, Sisi plants zucchini seeds and baby heads of kale in her quarter-acre plat behind the greenhouse. Sisi really enjoys America and being able to grow in Independence. So far this summer, Sisi has sold spinach, spring garlic, and radishes at the Independence Farmers' and Crafters' Market. She is the first New Roots Farmer to sell produce this season.
Steven and Debbie DeCaigney, High Point Honey
Check out the award winning local honey for sale at the High Point Honey Table. They offer pure honey in 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, and 5lb sizes. Additionally, you can get creamed honeys - Pecan and Cinnamon, Apple and Cinnamon, or Plain, been pollen, bee's wax candles, 1oz bee's wax bars, honey lip balm, roll-on bug repellent, soaps, and lotions.
Beckner's Orchard
The Beckner family has been farming the same land since 1955. They are a 3rd generation family business that has been providing quality, fresh, local fruits and vegetables to the Kansas City Metro area for more than four decades. Beckner's Orchard has over 30 different varieties of peaches and nectarines. Cling, semi-cling or freestone and also yellow, white, and Saturn (donut) peaches are offered. Peach season runs on average from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend. Freestone season begins around July 4th.
Make sure you stop by the market and visit these awesome farmers and crafters!