July 17th 2021 Farmers Market

Overcast and cool is the wish every vendor makes the night before the Saturday Market, and we got our wish for most of the morning. The overcast left us with a blazing sun at about 11:45. However, it was a great Market day and we had a pretty good turn out with a solid group of 54 vendors and a steady stream of shoppers. Our vendors are not always the same, and that was the case this week as some brand new participants showed up, as well as some we haven’t seen for a while.

We had a great representation from The Dream Center of Lubbock, most of whom were first time visitors to the Market. They were wearing shirts that read “We Get To Serve.” The Dream Center is an important community service group that helps those troubled souls seeking assistance in life’s trials. We appreciate them for their dedication, and for coming out to the Market.

Our fresh produce vendors keep things going with all the beautiful fruits and veggies that they bring during the mid summer months. After all, isn’t that the core of a Farmer’s Market? We have some great farmers in our group. Many of the shoppers that we see weekly have their routine down and are able to visit their favorite vendors and have time to chat with friends as well.

Our favorite baby goat returned, as well as a showcase of beautiful dogs and their proud owners. Some of our vendors cater to our best friends with beautiful collars and homemade doggie treats. Rest assured we welcome our four legged friends.

The Tornado Industrial/Arts Dog of the Day this week is Gabby, who is beautiful and so well behaved. Way to go Gabby!

The Garden was especially busy with many of the shoppers taking time to eat the food served by Market Vendors, while enjoying a beverage with lots of chatter among friends old and new. Thank you to The Garden!

Darcy Achin is a Texas Tech graduate with a Bachelors degree in Geology. Her company is Gnarled Roots Jewelry. She has been working with the Market for 5 years now. Darcy cuts and sets her stones and solders and bends metal for the settings. Most of the stones she sets are rocks and minerals found on her many “hunting” expeditions. Her handmade jewelry and airbrush fabrics are all beautifully done and she also does hand tooled leather goods. Darcy is also a great mother of her beautiful daughter Jade….of course a geologist would name her daughter Jade!

Next is Zuke’s Farm run by Vandy Nelson and his daughter Georgia Howard. Zuke’s Farm has been a vendor at the Market for 5 years, and they grow chemical free produce on their farm located at 19th and Alcove. Vandy has farmed his whole life, including cotton farming and wheat. They have a hot house where they get their starter plants going. They bring leeks, tomatoes, squash, and onions. Also, Zuke’s specializes in microgreens including radish, red amaranth, broccoli, kale, and arugula. Georgia has high praise for her father who she says is really a Jack of all trades. It helps to be a Jack of all trades when you are a farmer.

And our old friends from Native Veda, Rocky and Hunter Reina-Miller have returned after a couple of seasons of absence. Their homestead is in the Acuff area where they have free range ducks, quail and chickens that produce eggs for our Market shoppers. Their bakers list includes cookies and muffins both gluten free with vegan options. They are chemical free growers using permaculture on their one acre farm where they grow African squash, tomatoes and basil. They also offer homemade Castile soap and tie-dyed cool towels. Their nonprofit is set on building educational outreach programs. They have two beautiful children Phoenix-Blue and Tulsi. Blue has his own 3D printer with which he makes key chains and sells them at the Market. We are pleased to have this wonderful family back on board!

The Market will continue to serve our community and welcome all comers to 19th and Buddy Holly Avenue each Saturday morning from 9 am til 1 pm through October 16th. We hope that those of you who have not made it down to see us will find a Saturday that suits you.