12
Jul
July 11th Market Review
By Paul Bullock & Mary Gates
The overcast skies did not last long as we set up for the morning Market. The winds were calm and the heat set in quickly. Our customers showed up early, knowing another hot summer day was on it’s way. The LHUCA Plaza got busy as soon as we opened for business.
Many of our customers were from out of town. We welcomed our fellow Texans from Ft. Worth, Mabank, Crandall and Plainview. Our New Mexico neighbors were represented by folks from Lovington and Alamogordo. One of the best things about being a vendor is meeting and conversing with people who are visiting or returning home after having lived in other cities around the country.
I am able to keep an eye on the Block 20 booth and the tomatoes and onions left the table very quickly. It is the summer season and the farmers that we have are supplying all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Sunburst Farms is bringing freshly picked black-eyed peas. Farmers Doug and Aileen mentioned their sore backs from the early morning pea picking session they had right before they set up for the Market. I heard one customer bemoaning the fact that he had arrived too late to buy carrots and fresh eggs from Forbes Family Backyard Farm. The produce sells very fast, so get here early or you might miss the peaches supplied by Faith to Farm.
The folks that are receiving SNAP benefits are finding that our Double your Dollars program is a great way to put locally grown, farm fresh produce on your family’s table. We have a special booth set up to help SNAP recipients navigate the process. Max is our specialist, and he is eager to help you out.
We are proud of our family friendly Market, and the causal pace that our customers enjoy. We have easy access for wheelchairs and strollers, and clean indoor bathrooms. There are shady areas for break time if you choose to sit and eat Pancakes from Very Berry Sweet Creations or maybe a Burrito from Chuco’s. We also have Filipino food from Phil Me Up. You can have a meal and enjoy the music provided by Snail Farm. Our bakers Emerald House and Jo’s Doughlights are ready to supply you with pastries and sourdough bread.
We are happy to offer a wide variety of gift selections for all occasions. Hand made jewelry and fine bead work are available, along with paracord bracelets. There are children’s books and specially designed hats. There is something for everyone, including our dog friends. We make sure to have cool, clean water available, and also dog treats to show our appreciation for all our canine friends. We choose one dog to be declared Tornado Industrial/Arts Dog of the Day. We chose Buddy to be our special canine and presented him with our Red Bandana as a prize to take home. Let’s hear it for Buddy! We have completed seven of our twenty two Markets, and we are hoping that you will take the time to drop by and support our small businesses and hard working farm families. We are located at 5th and Ave. J in the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts Plaza, and our hours are from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm every Saturday morning. See you there!
