‘Bonnet Lady’ Honored at Farmers Market

Elizabeth Burnsed a.k.a. "The Bonnet Lady" (top right) and 

the Farmers Market sign created in her likeness.

Next time you go to the Sallisaw’s Farmers Market, keep an eye out for the much loved, regular vendor Elizabeth Burnsed also known as the "Bonnet Lady."

Burnsed, from Sallisaw, has become a fixture at the Farmers Market with her homemade jams and jellies and handmade aprons, little girls’ dresses and of course, bonnets. She also makes her popular breads including apple, banana nut, and strawberry. Burnsed noted that it's almost time for her to start making pumpkin bread as well.

Her growing notoriety has led to accolades from customers and honors from the city in the form of a new sign at the Farmers Market featuring a rendering of Burnsed’s bonneted likeness. 

The sign was designed by James Tod Pool and painted by his daughter, Jessica Lavallee. Pool sells handmade knives and stone carvings at the Farmers Market while Lavalle sells paintings and woodburnings.

Farmers Market Chairman Max Smith said Monday that Burnsed is a beloved member of the market who is taken care of by everyone involved with the event. “Everyone just loves her to death. She’s like everybody’s grandma.”

Smith expressed his gratitude to all of the vendors and shoppers at the Farmers Market this year. “We are continuing to grow. As tough as this year was, we still had more vendors than we’ve ever had.”

For Burnsed, she loves working at the Farmers Market and with the people there. She said the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t hampered her handiwork. “I just wear a mask.”

“I lived my life like I wanted to and with God’s help, I have survived,” she said.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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