On Friday, growers and producers set up rapidly, anticipating the eventual rush of enthusiastic customers.

Would you like pastured chickens that eat a natural diet, (Chickens are not vegetarian)? Maybe you’d care to plant organically raised heirloom tomato plants, and treat yourself and friends to the luscious fruit. How about naturally-derived soaps and remedies?

Don’t forget kale, chard, and other organically grown greens, as well as shiitake mushrooms.

Those, and more, are offered by local growers and producers from Polk and Henderson counties.  You can also find irises and value-added products.

In all, Saluda’s Tailgate Market is about a special aspect of western North Carolina — fresh and naturally-raised food that benefits both consumers and the local economy.

“I hope we continue to get support from the county,” said DeKay. “I think sustainable economy involves agriculture.”

As Mink says, “You build a local economy by building local food.” It’s about “neighbors putting money into your neighbor’s pocket.”