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Across the Fence:  Farmers Markets  |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13634 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13634 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 08:47:28 AM
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Hey Farmgirls,
I wanted to ask any of you who have any ideas . . .what do think a "FARMERS MARKET" should look like?
What kind of vendor offerings? Composition of the market environment? Entertainment? Would you think bringing your dog with you, either as a vendor or a customer, is acceptable?
Food to eat at the market?
Any other ideas????
THANKS FOR SHARING!!!
CJ
...from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com |
Edited by - ceejay48 on Mar 09 2010 1:23:51 PM |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 10:22:54 AM
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Well besides the fruits and veggie, our farmer's market has booths of handmade items, from the ladies as well as the men. I think it is nice when there are picnic tables set up for all the folks there that just want to have a seat and visit. Offer coffee,tea or water. A little bake booth would be nice. Maybe available paper/info about surrounding craft/antique shops. Music, make it feel like your at the fair. We sometimes have the school choirs or dance studio preforming during this time. It's a place you gather get get your goodies, and see people you haven't for awhile.
Blessings, Brenda
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" Mahatma Gandhi |
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 10:29:41 AM
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Ooo CJ what great ideas I could have for a farmer's market!!!!
The ones around here are boring, boring, boring, lol!! 30 minutes away is our nearest interesting one, but I can never justify the drive when there are many closer to us.
There need to be booths other than just fresh veggies and fruits. Crafts, local small businesses....I would frequent these, and I would love to have a booth of my own if I thought I would actually sell anything....
I'm an animal lover, so yes, I think having dogs there would be good. On leash of course!
One of our local markets does have 1 food booth. They sell Mexican foods because it is a big town for migrant workers. But I would love to see different types of foods sold there...
Local musicians- how great that would be too! Maybe even local dance groups occasionally with the kids doing a few of their best dances.
I would think all this would draw more customers to these markets, hmmmm maybe I should get more involved!!
Hope this helps? :)
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 10:33:04 AM
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Our farmer's market is a vibrant patchwork quilt of vendors and produce various, plant sellers and craftsman..it has kids,dogs of all sort and a bunch of really talented craftsmen...starts May day and lasts into the autumn. Love it, part of the yards sale, co-op and market Saturday outing! Love it! Love it Love it!!!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 12:41:03 PM
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Our farmer's markets sells flowers to plant and bouquets of fresh flowers. I think there is nothing wrong with bringing dogs, for both customer and seller. Our farmer's market has this local bakery come every Saturday to sell, and various cold treat trucks also frequent one of the sides. I do wish that craftspeople could set up on the regular days. On Sunday, the farmer's market also lets vendors come and set up like a yard sale. Some of it is true junk, but some craftspeople come and sell their items. I was able to buy my Mom two really pretty hand painted votive holders. Hope this helps!
God's Blessings,
Megan
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 12:58:37 PM
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Unfortunately, our local farmer's market is managed by a bit of a jerk. Only long-time vendors are allowed, no crafts, no non-food items except flowers. Very commercial. I've been going for 3 summers and there hasn't been a new vendor in that time. I'd love to see crafts, fresh eggs, chickens or rabbits for sale, etc. Dogs are allowed, but because of the tight space, they can be a nuisance. Dog fights have broken out, poop is ignored and then tracked around, etc.
There's a new market on the far end of town that is much more "organic" in nature, more just backyard families trying to make a little extra. There are a couple of bakers who are very impressive, and you can stand around and talk as long as you want. My kind of place, but it's sometimes hard to get there on Saturday morning.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 2:06:41 PM
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The markets around here have gotten so out of hand. When I think farmers market, I think homegrown or homemade. There are so many farmers markets here that are NOT homegrown or homemade. I remember going to one where this woman was selling some sort of veggie wash (it wasn't local or anything like that) and she was P-U-S-H-Y!! Drove me up the wall. When I go to a farmers market I expect to see things that are smallish and local and mom and popish...not something I could see in the mall. I think the ideas posted before me were great! I would love to have a market like that around here! Somewhere to shop, but also a place to gather. The markets around here are quick in, quick out...YUCK!!!!!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.wakeupstartlearning.blogspot.com
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 2:33:56 PM
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Our farmer's market has both crafts and produce and dogs are welcome. The only thing wrong with it is the current location doesn't have enough parking space. It can be a challenge to get in and out of the parking lot. I go there to buy produce, bread, longhorn beef jerky, sometimes jewelry or craft items. It runs from May till October.
Cindy
"Dog is my co-pilot"
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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delicia
True Blue Farmgirl
917 Posts
delicia
cincinnati
ohio
USA
917 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 2:39:14 PM
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I think that being able to take my girls (ok dogs) would be wonderful. I like flowers, honey is great, herbs, jams, fresh bakde items, and tons of home grown veggies. I do not see any great farmers markets around here so I may branch out and go over in to ky. Maybe someone would post a wonderful market that they have been too in their area that way more of us could visit.
delicia |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 3:59:12 PM
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There are a few markets near me. The one in Chattanooga is on Sunday and there is live music, things for kids, a dog park next door, crafts, bakers, farmers. You name they have it there. I love going to that one.
The one I am vendor at is smaller and in Walker County. It only allows Walker co. and those counties that it touches. And we are only allowed to sell things we grow or make on our own property. To sell eggs you have to have taken a candling class. There is a lady that runs a bakery that sell on Sat. People can bring dogs on leashes. A few vendors bring theirs. On Sat. some local pickers bring their instruments and play. It's very laid back. Lots of people come to see friends and talk. I have lots of repeat customers. I just go there on Wed. I can't seem to get it together to go on Sat. Too much to do to get ready that early. On Mondays it's in town in the afternoons. I like that one too. Not many vendors so I sell out. Ours starts in May.
I like the idea af tables and chairs so people can sit and talk.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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MariaAZ
True Blue Farmgirl
203 Posts
Phoenix
AZ
203 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 4:29:16 PM
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The problem with many of the farmer's markets around here in my opinion is that there aren't enough local food vendors. The arts & crafts vendors far outnumber the produce and food vendors, and are more like arts and crafts shows. I have absolutely nothing against arts and crafts, but I guess in my mind a farmer's market should have plenty of fresh produce and other food items.
That being said... our biggest farmer's market has a respectable number of food vendors (thought I'd say less than 50% of the total) but they have them scattered through the whole market. I only go to buy produce, and think it would be great if all the food vendors were located in the same general area. |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13634 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13634 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 8:25:23 PM
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Hey ladies . . .thanks!!!
I appreciate all your posts and thoughts.
We have a market and we are vendors at it . . . and I'll describe it to you in a later post.
I hope to hear more about what is going on around the country because it helps me know if ours is similar/different, etc.
THANKS
CJ
...from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com |
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podsandpetals
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Cindy
Genoa
NY
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 8:37:45 PM
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Oh boy! I'm a member of the Ithaca farmers market. It's a wonderful mix of outrageously yummy ethnic food, vegetable, plant, and craft vendors. The hard part is keeping it a "farm market". The agricultural vendors have membership priority over crafters. The crafters would very much like to turn that around- at which point the market would become a bizzar or flea market. I think the farm needs to be kept in "farmers market. There are many places to sell crafts- not so many places to sell perishable ag. products.
Dogs are allowed on Sunday -and not Saturdays because it's a mad house. I love having the dogs but some vendors tried to ban them altogether- which caused an uproar with the public and vendors. Most of the dogs are very well behaved!
Music is a must! Bluegrass!!
Seating is a must- the longer they stay the more they buy! Our problem at Ithaca is parking- it fills up to fast and there is no room for overflow.
Be kid friendly- they just love the market and theres tons of them there. They are the future -instill a love of fresh healthy food and truly handmade items.
www.podsandpetals.etsy.com
ebay seller podsandpetals |
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Candy C.
True Blue Farmgirl
823 Posts
Candy
Mescal
AZ
USA
823 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2010 : 04:50:31 AM
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We just had our initial planning meeting for the new season of our Farmers Market this past weekend. We try to emphasize local produce first and foremost. We also have local eggs and honey. Last year, we had baked goods but the Health Dept. said "Oh, we're sorry, we were wrong when we said it was okay to bake at home and sell at the Farmers Market!"  So, we can only have baked goods if made in a commercial kitchen. We do allow some crafts but it must be made locally and made by hand. One thing we are shooting for this year is more things for the kids to do. We already have a petting zoo and we are going to incorporate a Story Lady and activities for the kids. Get the kids there and you get their parents, etc!! Oh yeah, we also try to have some music every week, really adds to the atmosphere!
Candy C.
Farmgirl Sister #977
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. |
Edited by - Candy C. on Mar 08 2010 04:51:45 AM |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2010 : 06:59:53 AM
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Cindy, I want to go to your farmer's market! We have a co-op on Wed at the livestock auction. We have a mix of everything, except music. I suppose I am more blessed than I thought. when I first started reading I was feeling deprived, and then I remembered the stockyard! It's small but I know everyone and there is a variety of things.
It's all good! |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2010 : 08:28:40 AM
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My farmers market is "Source Verfied" Meaning that they come and inspect your farm to make sure that you are actually growing what you sell. You can not resale wholesale stuff at our market. Our also allows ONLY fruits, veggies, plants, cut flowers and other edible items but does have a "value added" online market. So if I made soap or whatever (in compliance with all local regulations) I can sell it through the online market. Hot Food Booth are limited to a special events day because the health dept. regulations are too strict to make it cost effective to offer food every week. We do have some local bands that play on occassion.
I think it would be hard to keep buyers from bringing dogs to the market unless you were somewhere that didnt allow dogs. Our market is in the park. I do think that the Vendors should NOT have dogs with them. Nor do I think that they should be allowed to smoke at their booth.
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.eggsandherbs.com
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2010 : 3:38:34 PM
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I love our local farmers market, eggs, veggys, fruit, plants of all kinds, cut flowers, some crafts, food venders and once a month small livestock is allowed to be sold, i.e., chickens and turkeys and water fowl, rabbits and weiner pigs. We have several food venders, sub sandwiches, mexican, and burgers. we do not allow dogs, the health dept put a stop to it, which was probally good, cause the dog fights and other liability issues made the insurance costs sky high. I can buy there what I don't grow myself, or if I've had a crop failure. We have a kids area with total supervision, swings and slides plus face painting and birdhouse making, etc.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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podsandpetals
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Cindy
Genoa
NY
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2010 : 6:52:30 PM
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I just went to our spring market meeting- no dogs allowed at market anymore- insurance co. won't have it. How sad! -Cindy
www.podsandpetals.etsy.com
ebay seller podsandpetals |
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solilly
True Blue Farmgirl
726 Posts
Lillian
Williamsburg
Virginia
USA
726 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 08:22:34 AM
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Our farmers market is only on Saturday mornings in the historic area and it has been very good for venders and customers as well. Only food and plants are to be sold. Fresh, cooked etc. plants cut and potted. There is cheese, clams, fish and produce we even have bafflo meat and chickens by the loads. All have to be made by the seller and must be local. All are inspected by the person in charged that year of the market. If the product is not of good quility the vender will lose there permit. Dogs are aloud they must be on a short leash and cleaned up after. Lilly 
learning the life I always wanted. |
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chickenjanedoe
True Blue Farmgirl
96 Posts
Sandy
Claypool
Indiana
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 2:01:25 PM
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Our farmers market is 35 years old. Everything sold must be made or grown in the county. We do garden spot inspections. We don't allow vendor dogs but customer may bring theirs(health dept. rule). We offer everything from pasture raised beef, pork, and poultry to free range eggs and a wide variety of fruits and veggies as well as crafts. We don't have alot of activities for kids yet but working on it. Also plan on having some music this year. Our Market is held May-Oct outside at our local fairgrounds 3 days a week monday and wednesdsay pm and sat am. We have plenty of parking, grass to walk on and trees to stand under. We are also right next to a lake channel and people often come and fish as well as go to market. With an average of 20 vendors any given Saturday and 8-12 thru the week we are doing ok but always looking for ways to increase our impact on the community as we still hear people say " I didn't know we had a farmers market in town!" and they only live a few minutes away. I'm a vendor and also publicity officer so always on the lookout for ways to improve the market.
sandy |
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LBP
True Blue Farmgirl
81 Posts
Linda
Goodview
VA
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 4:42:37 PM
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| I really love to browse through farmers markets. There is one in the town near where I live. There are vendors with flowers, vegetable plants, vegetables, herbs (my favorite), jewelry, homebaked goods, chickens, rocks, art made from tree branches, (which are really cool), there is the lady with the daylilly bulbs, and a guy who plays the guitar for change, a lady who sells soap, and a guy who makes kettle popcorn. This is why I love it. There is something for everyone. |
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Lynner
True Blue Farmgirl
225 Posts
Sheri
Missouri
USA
225 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 04:37:54 AM
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We too are inspected and can sell only what we grow or make. We have over 100 vendors and a wide array of products. Anything from herbs and plants to all kinds of jams and baked goods. We also have Amish vendors who bring wood crafted items. During the summer days there is a family that comes and plays their stringed instruments and sing. This summer we plan to have family focused themes and give children plants to take home and grow. Like tomato plants, and later maybe green bean seeds and pumpkin seeds. Then in the fall they can bring their pumpkins back to see who grew the biggest, also, same with the tomotoes through the summer.
We do not allow dogs, because the market is considered the same as a grocery store. We are not allowed to sample out food. Restrictions of the health department.
I agree with vendors NOT smoking in their booths. I think it drives customers away. After all, you dont see that at a grocery store.
Farmers markets should be extremely family friendly. We even try to have somewhat of a dress code.
So many boquets of fresh cut flowers are sold as well as all the different vegies and fruits in season. No animals are brought there for sell.
We have a number of meat,milk, egg and cheese vendors as well. All have to be in accordance with the health department. The more a market can supply, the more people will purchase all of their weekly fresh foods. This year we have implemented EBT and will be able to supply fresh foods to people on food stamps. I think this will also help the sales at the market to grow by drawing in another crowd of people. The farmers market is a service to the public and finding new and inventive ways to draw people in is what we try to do. Everything is locally grown and mostly organic.
The winter market was successful, even in 8 degree weather. There are those faithful people who will come out to get fresh bread,eggs and meat even during the winter.
Sheri
1 Cor 3:6...God made the seed to grow....
The best fertilizer for a farm, are the farmers footsteps... |
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Montrose Girl
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm
1360 Posts
Laurie
Montrose
CO
1360 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 07:39:41 AM
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Folks have covered a lot. Ours is homegrown. Fruits and veggies. No outside sale. Crafts are allowed, including soaps, lotions, jewelery, and baked goods can only come from those folks that have commercial kitchens. There are just enough to allow a nice choice. Dogs are allowed, and are on leashes. Very few fights have ever occurred and owners are good about controlling them if any snarling happens. Which is nice. I'm glad they are there. Both vendors and visitors have them. They don't allow many of the for-profit cooking to go on. i.e. making lunches etc, The exception is for a few non-profits and they go in the center area. Mostly school groups trying to raise money. I like that idea and we get some nice choice and varied with the different groups. And of course music.
Best Growing |
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knittingmom
True Blue Farmgirl
665 Posts
AnneMarie
Edmonton
Alberta
Canada
665 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 5:18:34 PM
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We have an awesome Farmer's Market here in Edmonton, the Old Strathcona Farmers Market. They have everything, of course the usual veggies, organic meats, hot food, ice creams, clothing, crafts, jewelery, etc.
It's an indoor, all year round market, furry people have to stay outside.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 5:33:07 PM
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Our market is more of an open air market next to the stockyard/auction. I am going in the morning. It's not regulated so I can bring my little dogs. I like hearing about other markets.
It's all good! |
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2011 : 07:24:39 AM
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There are LOTS of farmers' markets in our area!
We have them in Ithaca, Trumansburg, Elmira, Big Flats, Watkins Glen and Montour Falls.
I love how each one is different, and the vendors are super to talk to! Can't wait until
they open up again, we'll be selling at the Montour Falls one this year!
Stacked Stone Farm
feel free to follow my blog: www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
Edited by - momdrinkstea on Mar 30 2011 07:25:12 AM |
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Across the Fence: Farmers Markets |
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Farmers Markets
