Our First Farmer's Market!--Ann Arbor Westside Farmer's Market

I have never participated in a farmer's market, so I have been pretty excited about this for awhile now. I had heard about this market, and inquired about it, thinking that it was probably just for producers of food. I was told that the market was full last year, but to fill out an application and see what happens. I got in, and I have been anticipating this first day for the last couple months.

I realized that this would be a much different venue than the regular seasonal shows that I participate in. Being a weekly 'gig', I decided to change up my set-up just a bit so that I don't have to haul my nice big, heavy sign and shelving that I normally would. I scaled down my booth a bit, and am still working on how I want it. It is not as 'elaborate' as at a show, and I am trying to make it easier to haul and set-up, but still complement our products.

I made a list of things I need to bring for next week like clamps and clothespins; and to get my tent weights made. The small amount of wind we had yesterday was enough to make me hold onto the tent poles a few times. My neighbors said that the area there is like a wind tunnel, and last year there were some tents that flew off into the street....ouch! These tents are not cheap, so I will get my weights made to bring next week for sure.

I have been getting ideas about special things I can do at the market, like bring water, basins, and towels and have some scrub and soap demos. Sounds like fun! I am also thinking of having weekly specials on the product I will be demonstrating. So many possibilities.

The market will definitely be a little different than I am accustomed to. I will be setting up a tent with display and tearing it down after four hours every single week. I also understand the sales will typically be lower than a 'show' type event where there are several hundred people who go through in one day. BUT the possibilities of connections and people I will meet over the next several weeks is so exciting.

I also get to be with some very nice farmers and other vendors. I will probably end up doing a large part of my grocery shopping up here too. There is so much offered: greens, veggies, grass fed beef, free-range eggs, flowers, honey, bread, cheese from Zingerman's creamery, and sweets! Neat people and neat stuff!

All in all, this was a good day, and I am looking forward to the next 14 weeks! How about you? Will you be going to any farmer's markets this year? Which ones, and what do you like best about them?

It's all in the journey,
Candy