|
Windy day greets Farmers Market |
|
|
|
Monday, May 11 2009 |
By BECKY HAND
Community editor
Mayor Jim Fleck was on hand to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Columbia City Farmers Market for 2009. The skies began as clear as a bell, but strong winds soon blew in clouds.
The winds were problematic for the vendors, as some of their wares were blown away, or damaged. Although some put a positive spin on it as another way to spread the word about the market.
Dan Frioli, manning Brew Ha’s coffee booth considered writing “Look upwind of this card” on their business cards that were blowing off the display table.
Spirits were good and the turnout was as well, with such items for sale as the expected gardening plants and flowers. Whitko Middle School had a large selection of plants which the students had grown, and when tested, students Hailey Konger and Kayla Crouch of South Whitley knew what plants were what.
Unusual items offered included skeins of Alpaca wool from locally raised Alpacas; Kay Davidson’s fragrant sea salts for room fresheners, goat milk soap produced locally and portobella mushrooms grown in an area basement.
One of the best offerings at the market is the free advice and information offered by the vendors. They know of what they speak and are happy to impart their wisdom, gained from experience.
This writer’s knowledge of rhubarb was increased exponentially by local growers Cheryl and Robert Robinson. They instructed pulling off the stalks, not cutting, as a cut stalk may allow the introduction of disease into the plant. They suggested separating the plant in the fall, as well.
Cathy Serrano sang for the crowd from the gazebo for opening day. Entertainment is being scheduled for each weekend.
A trip to the Farmers Market is an adventure, and you never know what you may find. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday on the west side of the courthouse in Columbia City.
Contact market master, Tiffany Herron at 248-2148 for more information or about renting a space.
E-mail staff writer Becky Hand at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Last Updated ( Tuesday, May 12 2009 )
|
