Sparse turnout at area street market following alleged racist comments

Jose Caceres, of La Panaderia, arrives with baskets full of bread at the Yard Farmers and Ranchers Market on Sunday, March 22, 105. Last week a controversy over racist remarks made by the market's owners led to at least six vendors leaving. less Jose Caceres, of La Panaderia, arrives with baskets full of bread at the Yard Farmers and Ranchers Market on Sunday, March 22, 105. Last week a controversy over racist remarks made by the market's owners led to ... more Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 42 Caption Close Sparse turnout at area street market following alleged racist comments 1 / 42 Back to Gallery

The first farmers market at The Yard since last week's controversy over racist comments kicked off Sunday morning missing at least six of its usual vendors.

Rachel Holcomb, property manager at The Yard shopping center, called the turnout "sparse."

Shortly before the 9 a.m. opening, Holcomb handed owner F. David Lent paperwork giving him and his partner Heather Hunter 90 days notice that the center was terminating its contract with The Yard Farmers & Ranchers Market.

Related: San Antonio farmers market closing in wake of racist public dispute

Vendors CrepeLandia, Peaceful Pork, Katie's Jar, Parker Creek Ranch, À La Mode Gelato, Yapa Artisan Empanadas and Mother Culture had all previously announced they would pull out of the market in support of Ming Qian and her husband Hinnerk von Bargen who said they were the targets of racial slurs from Lent.

Lent previously denied making any racist comments.

In addition, several permanent retailers at The Yard were also closed.

"In lieu of last Sunday's abusive, racial slurs and threatening language against our neighbor Ming's Thing from the Owner/Management team of "The Yards Farmers and Ranchers Market" we will be closed until a new Market is formed" read a note on the door of the All Aboard Deli.

The Olmos Perk coffee shop was also closed in support of Qian and von Bargen.

On the market's Facebook page Lent and Hunter announced their intention to try and sell the market. But, Holcomb pointed out, the center's contract with the market is being terminated "so there's nothing to sell."

Lent would not elaborate on their plans for the market.

rmarini@express-news.net