Markets and monkey wrenches

This past weekend was supposed to be a big one for local food, with the Charlotte Regional Farmers, the Matthews Community Market and the Davidson Market all ready for Christmas dinner shoppers. Most of the markets, including the regional, will be closed Dec. 26, so Saturday was your chance to stock up for Christmas and New Year's meals.

Then the nasty weather hit, and the email alerts trickled in: Dean Mullis of Laughing Owl couldn't pick collards in the downpour. Grateful Growers got snowed in on their farm in Denver. Donnie Cline of New Beginning Farm in Lincoln County picked his greens and parsnips Thursday before the rain, but he almost got snowed in. He somehow made it off the farm -- I suspect dog sled -- and arrived at the regional market just a little late Saturday morning with snow still clinging to the roof of his van.

If you're still hoping to stock up for Christmas and New Year's meals, the regional market is open Tuesday-Thursday, and some Saturday regulars are planning to make the trip. Grateful Growers will be in their regular spot from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday. They're also coming out tonight for Matthews and Davidson customers who missed them: Tonight from 4-7 p.m. at Renfrow's Hardware in Matthews and in the parking lot of the Healthy Home Market in Davidson (on the right before you get to Main Street).

"Rosemary Pete" Vinci will be at the regional market 1-5 p.m. Tuesday with Grateful Growers, and 10 a.m.-2 Wednesday with Secret Chocolatier.

If I get more updates, I'll post them. I still haven't heard from Dean Mullis. He must still be sleeping in.

This just in at 5 p.m. Monday: Fisher Farms also will be at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market on Tuesday from 1-5 p.m., with tomato sauce, collards and several kinds of kale. Pass it on.