July 13th 2024 Farmers Market

Market Review July 6^th

^{by Paul Bullock & Mary Gates}

What a beautiful morning we had for our 7^th Market of the year. It was so calm with blue skies to the north and dark clouds passing by to the south. The temperatures were mild compared to the blistering heat we had last weekend. When I arrived I was a bit shocked to see only a few booths set up in the Plaza, but I suppose with all the activities from the previous week we were all just a little late and moving a little slow. Several of our regulars did multiple events during the busy week. There was 4^th on Broadway and Wolfforth’s 4^thon the 5^th and the First Friday Art Trail all crammed into the end of the week. But fear not! We had around 25 vendors and food trucks after all.. AND I counted at least four brand new vendors including a pickup truck full of locally grown sweet corn, a new beef seller, Professor Pickle and Kickin’ Koffee.

But then we were a bit worried that it might be a slow day for shoppers as we got started and saw just a few people begin to wander into the Plaza. As the morning progressed the number of shoppers increased, and around 11:30 it got down right busy! We continue to greet first time visitors, many who are new to Lubbock. A large family from Minnesota via Odessa seemed to be enjoying the Market, and several old customers from past years were stopping in for the first time this year. The sounds of the Market are always so pleasing with loud laughter and chatter from conversations scattered around the Plaza. Lots of smiles and friendly faces make for a great atmosphere for young and old alike.

The produce is increasing as we move into the summer with okra, cucumbers, black eyed peas, all kinds of squash, micro greens, basil, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, beets, peaches, apricots, cherries, oyster mushrooms and corn. We have pickles, tons of jams, salsas, spices, seasoned pecans, locally milled flour, cornmeal and wheat, assorted flavors of beef jerky and lots of local honey. We have homemade soaps and lotions and so many handmade arts and crafts to choose from.

And we have dogs! Lots of beautiful dogs. We always honor one canine visitor as Tornado Industrial/Arts Dog of the Day, and this week our winner is Koda… beautiful and so well mannered! Congratulations Koda!

It was a great Market with all our vendors reporting in as highly satisfied with the mornings work. We hope that you will come and visit us in the LHUCA Plaza at 5^th and Ave. J on Saturday mornings between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

FEATURED VENDOR: BOXCAR CREATIONS

We always like to highlight a new vendor for you, and this week we say welcome to Brian Coker with BOXCAR CREATIONS. Brian is a teacher and Coach in Monahans, and he and his son bring his wooden creations all the way to Lubbock each week! He has a wide array of creative boxes he makes out of various woods, includung pallet wood. His wife Lynsey then stains and does the lettering for them. Included in the selection are picnic boxes, s’more stations, mailboxes, mason jar holders, casserole dish containers, a grilling box, a condiments holder, plus signs, coasters, and pens! That’s a lot of choices! Brian says the name BOXCAR is due to his family’s history with working on the railroad. Go by and visit, and pick yourself up a handy creation!

Thank you to everyone who visited the market this week and we hope to see you next week at the Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market on the LHUCA Plaza from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM at 5^th Street and Avenue J!