Editor's Note: This series recognizes people who make a difference in their communities. To nominate someone, call Wendy Victora at 315-4478 or email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com.
FORT WALTON BEACH — If you’ve ever purchased fresh produce from the farmers market at the C.H. “Bull” Rigdon Fairgrounds and Recreation Complex, chances are you know Ruth Clark.
The petite 78-year-old, who’s always quick with a smile, has sold fruit and vegetables at the market since 1982.
“I have a lot of regular customers,” said Clark, who lives in Dorcas and drives to the fairgrounds three times a week. “We’ve all grown older together.”
Some of the produce she grows in her garden, while some of it she buys from farms in the Baker area. Sometimes she even makes a trip to a big Pensacola farmers market to make sure she has a nice variety to offer folks.
“People want fresh vegetables,” she said. “The stuff that’s brought in (at grocery stores) is probably three days old.”
A few years ago, Clark fought hard to have the farmers market remain open after the county decided to build the new courthouse annex extension at the fairgrounds.
“She really deserves recognition,” said Tanya Tucker, who nominated her. “She has inspired other growers to sell their fruit and vegetables at the market.”
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning, Clark lines up rows of everything from cucumbers, squash and field peas to tomatoes, okra, melons and peaches. Rain or shine, she makes sure she shows up.
“People expect you to be there,” she said. “They depend on you.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.