The first day of the Mennonite market in Delano, TN was today. They’ll be open Friday and Saturday for a while before going to six days a week, 9:00-5:00. We went for their green leaf lettuce. They also had scallions, spring mix, turnip greens, collards, cilantro, bok choy, and radishes, along with their baked goods and preserves.
On the way over to the market, we noticed that the redbuds are putting on a wonderful display in the Ocoee gorge and on the road up to Reliance (30/315). We saw some umbrella plants beginning to open, which is something we haven’t noticed here, so they seem to be a little further along than we are, perhaps because of more rain. We also noticed some sarvis blooming in the gorge.
Turkey season opens tomorrow, and will be in until May 15. This is the only major hunting activity that takes place in the spring. Remember that if you are out in the woods and hear crow calls, owl calls, or turkey calls, that they may be being made by a hunter. They usually wear camo and sit with their backs to a tree. They’re trying to be quiet, so it’s best not to disturb them.
If you are planning to hunt turkey tomorrow, you should know that starting this season the DNR is requiring turkey hunters to download and fill out a tag, exactly like the deer hunters have been doing for years, before moving the turkey.
Ordinarily, trout season would also be opening on Saturday, but trout season is no more, as everything is open all year long, with the exception of delayed harvest areas.
For those of you who have kids, there are two Easter egg hunts. In Blue Ridge:
21st Annual Blue Ridge Community Easter Egg Hunt,St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Blue Ridge, GA, 7 Ewing Street (beside the Kiwanis fairgrounds.
“The 25th annual Blue Ridge Community East Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, Mar. 26, in the churchyard of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Blue Ridge. The hunt begins at 1 p.m. when the bell of the church is rung. The Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club is partnering with St. Luke’s in this year’s event. A special area will be provided for very young children. Following the hunt, prizes will be awarded to those finding prize eggs. Refreshments will also be served. St. Luke’s Church is located at 7 Ewing St., across from the Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club Fairgrounds and Community Centre. For more information, call the church office at (706) 632-8245 or visit www.stlukesblueridge.org.”
In Copperhill/McCaysville:
Easter Egg Hunt / Copper Basin, West Tennessee Ave Ball Field
“Hwy 5 (Blue Ridge Highway) north, 1st traffic light in McCaysville is Tennessee Avenue turn left, 1/4 mile approx on right
Annual Copper Basin Easter Egg Hunt Date: March 26, 2016, 11:00am-12:30 p.m. Come out and join us as 1,000 stuffed eggs are hidden at the ball field, with prize eggs and a grand prize egg for each age group! West Tennessee Avenue Ball Field, Copperhill, TN Open to all children under age 12. Prizes and free photos with the Easter Bunny! Sponsored by the Tri-Cities Business Association.”