June 21st 2025 Farmers Market

June 14^th Market Review

by Paul Bullock & Mary Gates 

Once again the black clouds loomed out to the west of us on our Market day. That makes for a cool morning set up, but also keeps us a little leery as to how the morning will progress. As we set up, and the clouds left us with a very sunny morning and warm humid day. We continue to welcome new vendors, and I think at this Market we had 3 or 4  new artisan vendors to add to our growing list.

We also had several return vendors who have rejoined our Market after a short hiatus, including the ever popular KETTLE CORN GUY who provides a variety of flavored popcorns. He has added wonderful fried pies to his menu, of which I purchased a fair amount. We also had GILT-T PLEASURE FARMS rejoin us with their pasture raised pork, goat, and lamb products. For premium beef items, we have IVEY RANCH RED ANGUS out of Lutie, Texas.

We welcomed back the PHIL ME UP food truck selling authentic Filipino cuisine, and included  EL SABOR DE MEXICO to our food truck line up. Stop by for lunch! We have picnic tables in the plaza for just that purpose! We also have breakfast items provided by VERY BERRY SWEET CREATIONS, plus tons of baked goods perfect for eating while you stroll around the plaza. We also have coffee and tea! Take your pick.

The stream of visitors was fast right at the opening bell, and continued to be very steady throughout the morning. We often see the plaza clear a bit as we get into the warmer part of the day, so stop by early for the best selections! We are seeing a lot of familiar faces that we consider our regular customers, but we also are still talking with many first time visitors and out of town people. I spoke with guests from South Padre Island and Clovis.  My biggest surprise of the day was when my 8^th grade girlfriend walked up to my booth after not seeing one another for at least 50 years! What a wonderful reunion that was! That is what I love about being a vendor. The people that I meet and befriend, and the dear old friends who reappear in my life. Believe me when I say that we vendors have a great time just chatting with our shoppers and exchanging stories with each other.

Our farmers are doing their part providing farm goods with the early harvest of fresh greens and root vegetables, including onions, carrots, turnips, radishes and more. Along with produce we offer local honey, cooking oils, homemade jellies, salsa and quesos.

Our Market is filled with arts and crafts vendors, which makes it fun when shopping for gifts for any special occasion. Our Market is both wheelchair and stroller friendly with paved surfaces and ramps to make it easy to get around.

We love to have our canine friends show up, and we provide water and dog treats for our four legged friends. This week our old buddy Angus showed up and won the Tornado/Industrial Arts Dog of the Day Award. Angus is so well mannered and eager to please. That, my friend will win you respect and a Red Bandana!

The Market ended as the temperatures rose. We all broke down our tents and made sure the area was left clean. We look forward to doing it all again next Saturday in the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts Plaza located at 5^th and Ave. J from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We hope you will take a little time to check out our Downtown Market soon.

FEATURED VENDOR: Tim’s Table

One of our new vendors this season is FRESH CREPES! Timothy Tamez is a recent Texas Tech graduate with a Hospitality degree. He wanted to honor  his entrepreneurial spirit and create his own business. This is his first month making crepes for the public. He and his team serve up fresh breakfast crepes loaded with a variety of fillings, or delightful sweet crepes with many choices of tasty goodness. They are prepared right on the spot, and people line up for these wonderful edibles. Come out and give FRESH CREPES a try!