August 17th 2024 Farmers Market

Market Review Aug. 10

By Paul Bullock & Mary Gates

After another triple digit temperature week, we got a break on Saturday morning…the overcast skies saved us once again! Our vendor count came in about 30, and the shoppers came right on time at 9 a.m. They continued to trickle in as the morning continued. As the heat rose the shoppers decreased in numbers, which is quite normal. The tax free weekend probably took many of our shoppers away, as people are getting ready for the start of school and doing their shopping at some of the big retailers. However, we managed to draw shoppers looking for fresh produce, which our vendors continue to offer as the season continues.

We had quite a few out of towners stop by including folks from Tahoka, Austin, Ruidoso, and a brand new Texas Tech Professor and his family. He just arrived this week after graduating from Purdue University, and will be teaching entomology at Tech. It’s fun talking to people who have transferred here, and hearing their stories. It is also fun welcoming our new Lubbock residents. We also had our regulars who have learned that early shopping is the best way to get what you want.

We have farmers who are providing okra, squash, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupe, peaches and more. We certainly appreciate the hard work that our produce providers do in order to bring their goods to our Market. All of our vendors work hard during the week! They make their salsas, pickled goods, and jellies, bake wonderful breads and pastries… we have a vendor who mills their grains weekly to bring a specialized product for our customers who enjoy home baking. Our vendors who raise cattle or make homemade jerky work daily to bring their beef products to our Market. Our artists and crafts people are making specialized items to show and sell every week. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it is not just a Saturday morning work day for our vendors, but a daily labor of love.

For many of our vendors it is a full time job providing for those of you who visit and support our Downtown Market. And of course our canine visitors are special to us as well. We like to award our Tornado Industrial/Arts Dog of the Day Award to encourage people to bring their dogs along when the shop with us. Check out Lucy who is our winner and takes home the coveted Red Bandana and title of Dog of the Day. We still have plenty of Markets left, and hope that you will stop by the LHUCA Plaza at 5^th and Ave. J. between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. We are open every Saturday morning. Thanks for your support!

FEATURED VENDOR: Cynthia McKenney

This week, we are highlighting a vendor who is in her second year with our Market, but has yet to be interviewed! My bad! Meet Cynthia McKenney! She makes beautiful jewelry of all kinds, using only real gemstones, minerals, fresh water pearls, and shells. She says she’s been making jewelry for 30 years, selling at various other locations for about 15 years. As a retired Horticulture Professor at Tech, Cynthia says she’s used to being busy and enjoys creating her pieces as an evening pastime. You will find all manner of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings at her booth, and you will find her prices quite reasonable! I myself couldn’t pass up a lovely pair of earrings with abalone shell for only $12! Quality metal too! So go visit Cynthia, and pick up a great gift for a loved one, or yourself!

Thank you to everyone who came to the August 10^th market and we hope to see you next Saturday at the Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market on the LHUCA Plaza.