| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MaryJane |
Posted - Jul 08 2009 : 06:34:36 AM
Oh my, what a huge success Farm Fair 2009 was. And we have our one and only Prosserfarmgirl Rene Groom to thank … profusely. Rene started mapping out our FF weekend a year ago. She attended meetings in all the small towns; burned the midnight oil; and put serious hum to phone lines between here and there. Not only is she a miracle worker event planner, she’s been an absolute pleasure for everyone to work with. Whenever I’ve stopped in the seven small towns that she put on her map, I’d hear things like, “We just love Rene!” “You’ve found the perfect organizer in that Rene gal from Prosser.” I knew everyone was in good hands.
When I first dreamed up Farm Fair, I envisioned holding it in Oakesdale at my Old Mill but logistically that felt overwhelming, so it was held here at my farm for a few years while I, well, until, I found Rene. Unless you’ve planned or help plan an event of this size, you really can’t appreciate the incredible detail that goes into it. My husband and crew will continue working yet another two weeks hauling, sorting, and putting away for next year.
Here’s the shakedown so far. The towns are saying things like, “What a ripping success.” This small town has never seen that many people.” “We stayed open well past 7:00 because we didn’t want to turn anyone away.” “We ran out of EVERYTHING, we never dreamed you could bring so many people into our town.”
Of the thousands that came through Oakesdale, at least 800 people stood in line in the hot sun to tour our Old Mill. My husband and a local guy, Sam Peringer, took them through 20 to 30 at a time, non-stop from 10 to 7 pm, explaining as they went what all the machinery did and how flour was milled back then.
It has always been my dream to somehow bring commerce into the tiny towns that were on Saturday’s passport map and to get people--donors--excited about helping me keep my Old Mill alive and well. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Rene (and hubby Tom) for helping me realize my dream BIG TIME but also for benefitting the thousands of people who came and enjoyed the day. A round of applause for RENE!!!!! AND THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO CAME!!!!!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Hatdiva |
Posted - Sep 08 2009 : 6:37:47 PM
Photos, photos? Someone mentioned photos? I wanted to go...but had to stay home. My husband is volunteer fire here, and since last year we had a great big historical Victorian down the block burn down, (with a shake roof, so heartbreaking!) I had to stay close to the homefront. Plus it's sometimes hard to lug about an active little 3 year old.
Everything is better when you wear a hat....
http://hatdiva.blogspot.com
http://hatdiva.etsy.com
|
| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - Aug 29 2009 : 2:47:15 PM
Rene: You are a miracle worker. No one person can a whole fair like that, but Mary Jane is so lucky to have you on her team.
I hope to come next year.
Bonnie Ellis
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
| Rebekka Mae |
Posted - Jul 15 2009 : 11:15:28 AM
OOPS, I have been off the forums since Farm Fair but better late than never...
This weekend was fabulous for our family, we met so many amazing farmgirls, enjoyed the paradise of the Palouse and I was lucky enough to have my husband, kids, and parents there for every moment. We have such an incredible community as farmgirls and Rene did an amazing job of throwing us all party after party. I know the work that went into this weekend and I am thrilled to have the spotlight on Mary Jane and the part of the world she loves...what a perfect way to celebrate our Nation's birth and independence.
My favorite little memory...
In Oakesdale you might have seen Julia Hayes in her amazing star spangled dress...Bella summed it up right when she said "Julia- you are the Queen of the Forth of July!!!"- while giggling;)
Thank you all! Rebekka
www.bebebella.etsy.com
|
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 15 2009 : 10:39:52 AM
I was there with mom (Sage) and it was so much fun to meet so many people. We had a great time having farmgirls drop in at the booth. My neice Sydney was running around the fair and helping us with the booth. She had so much fun! The energy/atmosphere of the Fair was perfect! It was really nice to hear the band. We were next to an ADORABLE family- Bizzy Lizzy is her business name and she has aprons in the MaryJanesFarm store in CDA. Her kids were so cute and sweet explaining their wares to passerbys.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| Sage |
Posted - Jul 15 2009 : 09:30:16 AM
Wow!!! What an experience Farm Fair was and I've finally recovered from the long drive(18 hours one way).
The setting was so beautiful and the people were very friendly. I felt as though I was home and my neighbors and friends were just stopping by to chat. Thanks to everyone for the kind words about all of our handmade items and thanks to those who were able to purchase a little something.
I enjoyed meeting many of the Farmgirls and wish we'd had more time to visit but traveling time and other committments limited our time at the Farm Fair events. Mary Jane, Rene, and all of those involved in organizing the Farm Fair, it was delightful.
Sage :)
Farmgirl sister #140
www.heritagedesigns.etsy.com |
| katmom |
Posted - Jul 14 2009 : 10:14:22 PM
Valynne,
LOVE your soaps!
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
"I've never met a sewing machine I didn't like!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
|
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 14 2009 : 07:04:05 AM
Valynne,
I was just going to email you and tell you what a joy it was meeting you and Paul.. One of the true highlights for me.. thanks for sharing your time and talents with us...tell Paul hi!!!!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/RFBlog/
www.twitter.com/RuralFarmgirl
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
| Colorado Mountain Girl |
Posted - Jul 13 2009 : 3:29:24 PM
We had such a great time at your Farm Fair. Neither of us had been to the Palouse...what a landscape. Rene, you did a phenomenal job organizing all of the weekends events; a BIG thank you for letting me have my booth at the Old Mill. And it was such a pleasure meeting you, Carol...I have been admiring your creativity from afar for some time now. All of the way home I thought about my acre thanks to your words on Sunday, Mary Jane. I could go on and on...we met so many fun and talented people...thank you all for the inspiration! Next year, I believe there will be lots more Coloradans in attendance as my friends want to experience the Farm Fair for themselves - we have been raving about our wonderful weekend ever since we got back : )
Valynne & Paul
www.MountainGirlOrganics.com |
| katmom |
Posted - Jul 12 2009 : 9:11:15 PM
I so agree with all the gals,,,,it was a wonderful Sisterhood filled weekend....
Everyone involved with organizing the event deserves big Kudos for a great job well done.
MaryJane for her vision, Rene for her dedication, and all the rest of the dedicated staff involved.
Hugz to Carol Hill & Katy King too!
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
"I've never met a sewing machine I didn't like!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
|
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 12 2009 : 2:43:11 PM
Thanks Jeannie~
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/RFBlog/
www.twitter.com/RuralFarmgirl
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jul 12 2009 : 1:47:30 PM
Well, Rene you are the perfect person to be blessed by MJF and everyone there. You are super!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 11 2009 : 4:09:52 PM
Wow, thanks for all the nice comments. We did have so much fun didn't we? I can tell you that there is no ONE person that pulls off an event like this....It takes ALL hands on deck, for sure. I can tell you that each farmgirl that took the time to come, to offer me support,and hugs... it means the world.
I do get emotional when talking about the farm, MJ and the others I work with. I wonder what I ever did to be so blessed. I wish that each of you could see the amazing talent at the farm, it is truly overwhelming. You would all be shocked at how much gets done with just a few people. It has been a huge life lesson for me of what can be accomplished when there is a "can-do" spirit behind it. A whole new definition of farmgirls "Plowing thru".
AlyssaMarie~ Welcome! We never mind Babies :) Jackie (at St. Elmos) was our main contact in Palouse.. She is simply awesome! What a great community you live in.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/RFBlog/
www.twitter.com/RuralFarmgirl
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
| EllynAnne |
Posted - Jul 10 2009 : 8:38:57 PM
Hey! and congratulations y'all! An event of this scope doesn't happen without tremendous heart. I'm just so happy it was the cherry on top.
xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course! |
| miss wilma |
Posted - Jul 10 2009 : 8:16:59 PM
Love all the pics I have looked at keep them coming,
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
| Julia |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 9:23:00 PM
It was the best time!!! Full of memories and full of gratitude to MaryJane, Rene'( have I told you lately, your a peach! :) )
and all the staff and families who put this all together and to all the towns people who opened their arms to us all!!!
Oh, and by the way, who won the drawing for the stay at MaryJane's B&B? We left early on Sunday when I believe it was to be announced?
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440 |
| Pearlsnjeans |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 7:25:24 PM
Farm Fair was GREAT! An experience I’ll always remember and treasure. Thanks to Rene and all others who helped plan this event. Also thanks to Wendy H and Scott for chauffeuring me from and to the Spokane airport. I met so many wonderful sisters,can't name them all here; but I do have to mention Carol. In one of the magazines, MaryJane talks about Carol's laugh. After meeting her, everytime I would hear her laugh, I just laughed myself. It's such a happy sound. MaryJane is very gracious and personable. She just laughed as everyone asked for pictures and hugs. Her family are also all very friendly and fun. I love small towns, the people are so friendly. It was really neat to talk with some of the older farmgirls who have lived and farmed in those small towns their entire lives. Sweet Ester at the Fairfield Museum who at 94, still has a smile for everyone and loves to share the history of her small town. Monday morning, while waiting for my flight, I thought, it would be so much fun to just turn around and take another drive down the Palouse. What beautiful country! There were so many wonderful sights, smells and tastes. A lady at Comforts of Home had Apple Butter. It was yummy and certainly took me back for a great trip down memory lane. Funny that I had just been thinking that I need to get my mom’s apple butter recipe. I’m always amazed at the many talents of women. I came back home very inspired and even had to extend my vacation a couple more days to play in the dirt in my garden so I could continue feeling “farmgirlish”. Thanks again!
Vicki
Farmgirl Sister #120
Today well lived makes every yesterday a memory of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. |
| lacisne88 |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 6:54:14 PM
It was simply amazing! Thank you for such a wonderful time!
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
| Bee Haven Maven |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 6:46:37 PM
I, too, felt a lump in my throat listening to Renee. Bravo gals on a wonderful weekend! I made the trip from PA and it was well worth the plane fare. To finally put faces to names and meet so many exceptional women was such a pleasure. Everything was first rate as I knew it would be! Kuddos to Maryjane, Renee and everyone who played a part in making this quite a memorable weekend.
I have posted a few pics on my blog and will continue to post more as I get time!
Visit my blog at: www.sewonandsewfourth.blogspot.com
Visit our farm at: www.beehavenacres.blogspot.com
Aprons for sale at: www.apronmaven.blogspot.com |
| kpaints |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 6:40:47 PM
What an incredible weekend this was!!!! It was wonderful to meet so many farmgirls and to view all the talent displayed. My heart tugged many times this weekend, especially when Rene' gave her speech, I could hear the love in her heart in her sweet voice. I believe she gave something to every single person at the Farm Fair this year! What a fabulous job she did along with all the 'behind the scene' people!
I was especially taken by the mill, I could have stayed there a week taking pictures and floating back in time. And Nick was so patient and informative during the tour. Not sure how he did it all day, I bet he couldn't talk that night!! :D
And finally, dear sweet MaryJane, you infused this whole weekend with your true sweetness and dedication. A simply elegant barefoot farmgirl who symbolizes the true heart of any country loving farmgirls around.
Find your joy and live it. http://cheneybaglady.blogspot.com/http://www.kpaints.etsy.com http://www.thevintagebaglady.etsy.com FG #377 |
| deeredawn |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 2:51:34 PM
AlyssaM: that is genuine farmgirl can-do attitude. I'm sure you will be a huge asset to the FarmFair next year. All I've heard about farm fair 2009 has been positive, giddy and downright enthusiastic! If I'm there, I'll hold the baby for ya for awhile!!!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
http://harvestthyme.blogspot.com
~the only thing for certain, is uncertainty~ |
| AlyssaMarie |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 12:36:44 PM
MaryJane and Rene - I'm a new farmgirl and don't know much, but I'm willing to learn. As long as you won't mind a baby on my hip, I'm a local gal with a willing spirit to pitch in and lend a hand where you might see fit to put me next year or in the planning for next year. I know sometimes it just takes an extra set of hands, so feel free to ask, I'm not far away.
AlyssaMarie @ Link'd Hearts Ranch
|
| TheresaB |
Posted - Jul 08 2009 : 5:04:37 PM
Go, Rene! I SO wish I could have been there with y'all. Perhaps I should start saving now for next year.
Theresa in Colorado
Proud Farmgirl Sister #124
www.thegypsysdaughter.etsy.com
www.thegypsysdaughter.blogspot.com
"I see skies of blue, clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night, and I think to myself, "What a Wonderful World!" ~ Louis Armstrong |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jul 08 2009 : 4:42:33 PM
MAryJane, for 20 years (1984-2004), I planned a big fair (Sugarplum Fair) here in Tally. 72 Vendors were the most we ever had, and we had three different locations over the years, one an old farm, one a vineyard winery and one a historic platntation.......we worked on it all year, and we were only regional, not national. I say this only because I am so glad that your event went well, and that the weather held, though hot. Been there, too! Someday, I hope to attend yours! Congrats on a great event!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 08 2009 : 4:09:49 PM
Thank You Cheryl! It was a joy to meet you all.....
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/RFBlog/
www.twitter.com/RuralFarmgirl
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
| gspringman |
Posted - Jul 08 2009 : 4:09:39 PM
MaryJane, I had a fabulous time at the fair. I first met you Friday night at the mall where you signed my book. I felt like a giddy kid to actually be meeting you in person. I met some of your family throughout the weekend and they were all as pleasant to speak with as you were. Thank you all for making me feel comfortable and welcomed. Rene, thank you for all you did to help put out such a grand time for all.
Gail
Farmgirl #486
Planting Zone 5
http://grammasladybug.blogspot.com/
|
