Weekend Highlight: First Farmer's Market

It is hard to imagine that just a couple years ago I was only learning about mirco-farming, hobby farming, and the very concepts of urban farming. Doors were opened and I actually thought I could and would enjoy farming in a suburban/urban setting. However, as much as I thought I wanted to farm the whole process of where to start and "getting" there was overwhelming. I had a house, husband, little babies to take care of. 

Then we meet Steve and Alyssa at Roots of Change Farm and found kindred spirits. Gary and I could relate to them on so many levels and brought some of our own unique experiences to the table. What impressed us was that Steve and Alyssa were farming. Normal, great people like us were doing it and now Gary and I realize we can do it too. Years of reading, practicing, failing, and building are paying off. We will sell some of the fruits of our labors this year with Steve and Alyssa at the Kamm's Corner Farmers Market. Talk about a big step forward. 

Our humble set up. Of course I was running late because getting Ethan, Wade, Gary and myself out of the house in the a.m. only happens on Sundays for church. Often we go on Saturdays to avoid having to get the kids up and in the car "early". I provided the tent, table cloth, baskets, table, chairs, and a cooler with eggs. Gary brought his bird houses to sell but we didn't sell any although we had admirers. Definitely learned from that experience and will set up the bird houses differently. I truly believe customers thought they were decoration or didn't even notice them. We for sure need a sign, another table, and more produce next week. 

Here is an early customer transaction. We sold out of almost everything by 11:45 a.m. The market officially opened at 10 a.m.! This is a great market to be a part of. Good location and only two other produce vendors to compete with. 

Of course I had Ethan. He took one brief twenty minute nap in the early heat and then I had to hold him the remainder of the time. Great for building upper arm strength!!

He woke up happy from that nap though. 

It was hot! Alyssa with her adorable youngest daughter. 

By 11:45 a.m. all we had left was oregano (this needs to be a value added product), onions, and Swiss Chard. By 1:00 p.m. we had sold out of everything and had to wait until 2:00 p.m. in the heat to pack up. All went well except I broke the tent taking it down. Lesson learned: come prepared knowing how all your equipment (tent) works. **Sigh**

Overall a great day. Gary and I are having a lot of discussions about what the future holds. Stay tuned.