Celebrating the Roots of the Rockwall Farmers Market

City of Rockwall honors Farmers Market co-founder with downtown plaque

(ROCKWALL, TX — August 2, 2018) Family and friends of the late Barbara Coleson (1937-2017), co-founder of the Rockwall Farmers Market, gathered in downtown Rockwall’s San Jacinto Plaza to witness the unveiling of a plaque made in her honor on July 14. The plaque, which sits just outside the plaza next to Zanata at the Historic Downtown Square, remembers one of Rockwall’s most beloved community members who helped make the city a great place to live, work and play.

Celebrating 10 years of the Rockwall Farmers Market

Community members joined city and county officials for the dedication ceremony to honor Coleson – known as “Barb” to all who knew her – and her dear friend Claudette Hatfield, the duo who brought a Saturday morning staple to downtown in the Rockwall Farmers Market.

In 2007, Rockwall’s Downtown Square was beginning to see new restaurants and shops moving in to some of the area’s vacant buildings. Seeing this resurgence, Coleson and Hatfield came up with the idea to bring a farmers market to downtown, attracting more visitors to enjoy the unique downtown attractions while assisting hundreds of local ranchers in sharing their fresh products with the public.

“On Founders Day that year, I saw a couple of vendors with soaps and vegetables,” recalled Hatfield. “I chased City Manager Rick Crowley all around the courthouse saying, ‘Don’t you think we ought to have a farmers market? Why don’t we have a farmers market?’ Well, I never heard from him, so Barb and I just did it.”

The Friends of Downtown Rockwall established the Rockwall Farmers Market in 2008. Ten years later, the market has grown to over 30 vendors and is run solely by volunteers, with assistance from the City of Rockwall and Rockwall County.

The seasonal market opens at the beginning of May and runs through the end of September. Local vendors set up all around the Historic Downtown Courthouse every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering fresh produce and specialty foods such as grass-fed meats, fresh baked artisan’s breads, farm eggs, seafood, honey, jams, pasta, tamales and much more.

Folks can enjoy live music provided every market day as they take in the high quality agricultural goods and gourmet artisan foods offered by the vendors. Dogs and pets are also welcome at the Farmers Market.

A True Leader and Friend of Rockwall

The Farmers Market is just one example of Coleson’s dedication to bettering the city she called home.

As a founding member of Friends of Downtown Rockwall and an inaugural member of the Main Street Advisory Board, Coleson was instrumental in bringing a revitalization project to the downtown area which saw new street paving and sidewalks, street lighting, landscaping and the addition of a pedestrian mall and a courthouse plaza.

“Rockwall has become what it is today because of Barb Coleson’s influence in so many areas,” said Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt. “As you look at the beautiful landscape here in downtown Rockwall and in the San Jacinto Music Plaza, know that it is our duty to keep it a wonderful, family-friendly destination for future generations to enjoy.”

When Coleson moved to Rockwall nearly 40 years ago, it wasn’t long before she immersed herself within the community. She became a member of the Red Hat Society and formed a Lunch Bunch Club with several of her dearest community friends. She also enjoyed volunteering her time to the Friends of the Rockwall County Library, Meals on Wheels, the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County, the Downtown Merchants Association, the Rockwall Woman’s League, Rockwall Summer Musicals and the Education Foundation for Rockwall ISD.

“Her passion, candor, compassion and class must be nothing short of unsurpassed,” Rockwall City Manager Rick Crowley said. “She didn’t waste words but thank goodness she dispensed her advice, thoughts, and opinions willingly. Her words were always wise and worthy of listening to. I miss Barb, and I’m sure all of Rockwall misses her as well. What a mark she left for us and for Rockwall.”

Leaving A Lasting Legacy

Through her unrelenting commitment to making her community thrive and prosper, Coleson’s efforts have left a lasting impression that is sure to be felt by all who visit the downtown square or stroll through the Rockwall Farmers Market.

Addressing the big crowd of Coleson’s loved ones and supporters during the dedication ceremony, Hatfield said although she loves seeing the continued success of the Farmers Market, she wished her friend was there to help celebrate its 10-year milestone.

“Barb was a wonderful friend and an amazing woman, and we miss her dearly,” Hatfield said.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.

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