Beulah Roasting Co. hosted its first Fulmer St. Market on March 21. The outdoor farmers market featured more than 10 vendors on the streets of downtown Batesburg. 

Beulah is a local coffee roastery that opened its doors in October 2023. Owners of the roastery, Jessica and Jeremiah Sowards, opened the roastery after moving to town in 2021 from Arkansas.

The market was a way to not only promote their business but to also bring the community together in honor of coffee and homesteading. 

“We've had a really enthusiastic response from people who are very thankful to have this as a resource,” Jessica Sowards said. “Hopefully, the market can become a staple here in Batesburg.”

Vendors sold items such as goat milk soap, flash frozen candy, baked goods and leather crafts. 

The town only has a few farmers market-style events every year, making a recurring market all the more special for the town and Beulah staff. 

“I have so many things on my plate, but I've been wanting to do something like this for a long time,” said Alisha Johnson, owner of Freeze Fresh Candy and a seasonal vendor at Fulmer St. Market. “I wouldn't have known where to start without friends and family helping.”

Johnson has owned her business for a couple of years after she bought a freeze dryer during the pandemic. It has become her hobby and income. She’s a regular vendor at Barnyard Flea Market and she’s excited to see more opportunities in her hometown.

“I’ve lived here my whole life. My mom owns a cleaning business here,” Johnson said. “It’s just wonderful to have a place to sell and interact with the town.”

Jessica Sowards expressed her excitement to see more homesteading vendors participate as the growing season begins.

“We have a lot of vendors signed up that are going to have produce and veggies. They will be joining us later,” she said. “Our hope is to keep the seasonal market going through the growing season.” 

Food trucks will also be available at future events as coordinators determine their guests’ needs.

Markets are held at 532 Lexington St., directly outside the roastery. The markets will be held on the second and fourth Thursday of every month beginning in April. 

Beulah will begin hosting weekend markets on a seasonal basis beginning in Summer 2024.

“Everyone's welcome here at our table. We hope that they'll come and join us and then potentially be inspired to turn around and create a table for people to join with them and in their communities,” Jessica Sowards said.