July 22nd 2023 Farmers Market

Market Review July 15

By Paul Bullock & Mary Gates

Once again we were met with overcast skies and some sprinkles. A quick look at the radar indicated that the rain was moving through, and the morning would be perfect for our Market. We had fewer vendors than previous weeks, due, I think, to the Artisans Vendors Event at First Baptist Church. The Plaza dried quickly, and the vendors were ready when the shoppers slowly arrived for our eighth Market of the year. The morning remained overcast. We thought we were in the clear, but the thunder began to rumble, and the heavens opened up again around 10:30. The summer morning rain brought the Market to a near standstill, but we had umbrellas popping up, and shoppers continued to stroll comfortably through the Plaza. Many people found a spot under the vendors’ canopies to stay dry. The rain certainly affected the number of shoppers, but after about 30 minutes of showers the sun came out and the people returned.

The produce is getting more plentiful each week, and we had great tomatoes! They don’t last long as people show up in search of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our big three vegetable producers, Block 20, Ethan’s Earthly Edibles, and Little Sprig Farm are bringing in beautiful produce. Colorado Peaches and Sunburst Farms are also contributing to the summer produce bounty. We have several bakers that have become regulars who are doing well each week. There are also several salsa makers to choose from. We have fresh flowers, and arts and crafts available for any gift shopping you might be doing.

We are still seeing lots of first time shoppers and this really is telling. The word is out and people are coming to see how the Market has changed since our time on Buddy Holly Ave. We had a man from Midland who showed up, and he had been looking for the Market in its old location. People are looking for us! Lots of people have made the Market a regular thing to do on Saturday mornings, and we appreciate that. We still get people coming to the Market a little late in the day, wishing perhaps that they would have arrived earlier as many of the vendors are sold out and packing up. Come early for the best shopping.

We had another great day for pet participation. We had a tiny kitten in a mesh carrying cage and lots of dogs. We award one dog the title of Tornado/Industrial Arts Dog of the Day. We are happy to declare JT our winner. JT is a brave three legged dog (JT stands for Just Three) who is ready to participate and enjoy himself wherever he goes. JT wins a bandana which he will look great wearing to his next outing.

We are happy with the way our Market has transitioned from the old to the new and invite you to come out and bring your friends and family to the LHUCA Plaza every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 5^th and Ave. J.

As mentioned, we have a number of salsa vendors, and this week we are highlighting EL MOLINO TORTILLA FACTORY. I spoke with Tori Hernandez and Linda Arroyos, and this is truly a family affair. 8 relatives work together to create their hand made tortilla chips, masa, and salsas. The company started out in 1977 in Hereford by Guadalupe Arroyos, the great grandfather. They then moved to Lubbock in the 80’s, where they had a bright pink store front in the Arnett Bensen Neighborhood. Their specialty back then was the chips, shells and masa, which they sold to both the public and to restaurants. 5 years ago, Audrey Arroyos took over the company (Guadalupe’s granddaughter), and she expanded their line to include salsas and quesos. They now have a factory at 5404 4^th St, where they roast and grind the corn, make the chips and masa, and concoct their various salsas. This is their first year at our market, and we are pleased to have them! Come down and give it a try!

Thank you to all of you that came to the July 15^th market and we hope to see you next week at the LDFM on the LHUCA Plaza at 5^th Street & Avenue J.