That was a happening market because the weather was good. The market this past weekend was much smaller and snowier. I believe there were only 7 vendors and not many customers. The parking lot had a lot of snow in it. There was an Alberta Clipper on top of us showering us with quite a bit of snow. All the tables were snow covered, even if they had set up shelters. I am glad we went down to shop and not sell, it would have been miserable.
On that note, here is the article about the January Market. Thanks for sending it Suzi.
Business is Hot at Winter Farmers Market
By Celeste Baumgartner
Contributing Writer
Sunday, February 18, 2007
OXFORD — OXFORD — Farmers markets are a connection to life and are a tremendous social event, said Debra Bowles.
Every third Saturday November through May, Bowles can be found by her stand at the Winter Oxford Farmers Market in Uptown adjacent to the parks at Main and High streets. The market, offering fresh local
seasonal produce, baked goods and handmade wares, is open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
"I love the farmers market," Bowles said
On a recent Saturday, the market was abuzz with people of every age, many in heavy coats, mittens and hats, sometimes with their dogs.
"A lot of things had been sold out," said market manager Larry Slocum. "Don Schwab's peaches sold like hotcakes. There was a big line by Dale Filbrun's organic meats."
A walk down the aisle finds those vendors just as varied and unique as the products they sell. In addition to peaches, Schwab also had sold out of potatoes; and popcorn was moving fast.
"Business has been real good, excellent for this cold day," he said.
Lyman Peck's regular customers had cleaned out his supply of bread, which he bakes in his backyard in a brick oven heated by a wood fire.
"I burn the fire for about five or six hours and then clean everything up and bake with the retained heat," said Peck, who taught at Miami University for 15 years.
Harv Roehling of Locust Run Farms had a lot of takers for his lettuce. He had 10 varieties for sale. Roehling, who is certified organic, raises the lettuce all winter long in an unheated greenhouse.
"It slows down a little in the winter primarily because of the light," he said. "December has short, cloudy days. Even when the sun is out, it is low in the sky so we don't get a lot of energy from it. That has more effect on the growth than the cold weather."
A bit farther down the aisle is Mike Egbert. "We're selling eggs from free-range chickens today," Egbert said. "We'll sell 50 to 60 dozen."
Egbert is the third generation of his family to have a stand in a farmers market. His grandparents had a stand in Findlay Market, his father had one in the Cincinnati markets.
Luci and Eugene Goodman of Boulder Belt Farms offered herbs, cabbages, lettuce, spring mix, popcorn, garlic and more.
"I like the winter market. It's a good thing," Luci Goodman said.
"We've got a beautiful day; it's been worthwhile," said Bob Rauen, who has been selling honey products and produce at farmers markets for 30 years.
Rauen has 50 beehives, about half as many as he once had.
"It's hard to keep bees anymore because of the mites
and other problems with bees," he said.
Bowles had a display of soaps and body creams made from goat milk. She also offered beeswax candles made from Rauen's honey.
Bowles sees big things on the horizon for the market. There are plans to connect with the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department to offer Saturday events.
"This is going to be the place to be," she said.
From May to November,
the market is open every
week. Interested vendors can call Larry Slocum at (513) 505-5238.
No comments:
Post a Comment