It's been quite a while since we blogged.
Admittedly, having had the town refuse us any off-premise signage was a bit of a downer, especially because we did our homework and presented the Planning Commission with a lot of great examples of code language that would have properly regulated off-premise signs and further benefited the Downtown Businesses; and because the promised "Way-finding" signage is yet to be in place, though this was promised last Fall. On a positive note, The Council did approve amendments to allow for Sandwich board signs in front of businesses. We've had a lot of downtown businesses thank us for championing this cause, and are proud to have made a difference for downtown businesses, even if this doesn't help our business directly.
But enough of this for now... We have a Market to make successful!
Thanks to everyone who came out and showed support last week, despite the oppressive heat. Many have asked how they can support the market. The best support is simply coming out.
There's a very interesting chicken-and-egg scenario that happens at farmers' markets, especially new ones. Customers want more vendors. But Vendors need customers. IF there are not enough customers, vendors get discouraged and leave. If there are not enough vendors, customers are discouraged by the lack of variety and don't come back.
While Farmers' Markets are certainly not a new concept, shopping at one tkaes a bit of planning. In Molly Watson's About.com guide entitled 10 Farmers Market Shopping Tips, she explains that "shopping at farmers markets is the easiest way to eat locally" and that "A bit of planning can keep weekly shopping for produce at a farmers market fun and make cooking a snap all week long." Read the article for some great tips.
So, here it is mid-July already. Over the last few weeks, blueberries, raspberries and peaches have been hot items at the Market. Blackberries are beginning to come in now, and we should have melons, sweet corn and tomatoes very soon.
Admittedly, having had the town refuse us any off-premise signage was a bit of a downer, especially because we did our homework and presented the Planning Commission with a lot of great examples of code language that would have properly regulated off-premise signs and further benefited the Downtown Businesses; and because the promised "Way-finding" signage is yet to be in place, though this was promised last Fall. On a positive note, The Council did approve amendments to allow for Sandwich board signs in front of businesses. We've had a lot of downtown businesses thank us for championing this cause, and are proud to have made a difference for downtown businesses, even if this doesn't help our business directly.
But enough of this for now... We have a Market to make successful!
Thanks to everyone who came out and showed support last week, despite the oppressive heat. Many have asked how they can support the market. The best support is simply coming out.
There's a very interesting chicken-and-egg scenario that happens at farmers' markets, especially new ones. Customers want more vendors. But Vendors need customers. IF there are not enough customers, vendors get discouraged and leave. If there are not enough vendors, customers are discouraged by the lack of variety and don't come back.
While Farmers' Markets are certainly not a new concept, shopping at one tkaes a bit of planning. In Molly Watson's About.com guide entitled 10 Farmers Market Shopping Tips, she explains that "shopping at farmers markets is the easiest way to eat locally" and that "A bit of planning can keep weekly shopping for produce at a farmers market fun and make cooking a snap all week long." Read the article for some great tips.
So, here it is mid-July already. Over the last few weeks, blueberries, raspberries and peaches have been hot items at the Market. Blackberries are beginning to come in now, and we should have melons, sweet corn and tomatoes very soon.
Several of our vendors have prior commitments and will be in and out throughout the year. We have other new vendors who will be filling the spot. And many of our current vendors are expanding their horizons to bring new things to the market. Sarah Green of EverGreen Farms will have fresh baked pies, as one example!
We even have something from the kids - a couple of the market boys have handmade and are selling Marshmallow Shooters! Pretty entrepreneurial, huh? They will take orders for custom painted ones too.
Last but not least, the Town continues to work on the installation of a new storm drain at the intersection of Main and King. We're told that they are about half way through the project, and that King Street will be subject to closures on an ongoing basis until the project is finished. They have been great about having the street open during Market Days, which we greatly appreciate. Should the street be closed, the Town has stated that visitors can enter King from the other end, despite that it is one-way.
We even have something from the kids - a couple of the market boys have handmade and are selling Marshmallow Shooters! Pretty entrepreneurial, huh? They will take orders for custom painted ones too.
Last but not least, the Town continues to work on the installation of a new storm drain at the intersection of Main and King. We're told that they are about half way through the project, and that King Street will be subject to closures on an ongoing basis until the project is finished. They have been great about having the street open during Market Days, which we greatly appreciate. Should the street be closed, the Town has stated that visitors can enter King from the other end, despite that it is one-way.
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