November Market Goods

I left the market today a little lighter from having sold several bags of dried herbs as well as all my onions and lettuce. To counter that lighter load, I finished a large chunk of my Christmas shopping – VAFM shirts for family, wooden toys for kids, hand-made kitchen utensils, local popcorn, knitted towels. My breakfasts and snacks are covered for the upcoming week – scones every morning, choice of warm chocolate bread or chocolate chip cookies every afternoon (sounds awesome with hot chocolate). I have pumpkins for Thanksgiving pies, herbs for the turkey, squash for a side dish, fresh bread.

Can’t wait until the December market to finish Christmas shopping and to load up on treats for the trip to visit family and foods for Christmas dinner. See you there!

New vendors at Nov Winter Market

I have received calls all evening from new vendors coming to tomorrow’s winter market! Fresh produce. At least 2 bread bakers. A new pastry vendor. Baby clothes and blankets. Homemade pasta. Knife sharpening. More! 10-1 at the Clay County Extension Building.

Night Tree

I am spending the weekend drying fruit for the winter market next Saturday (Nov. 19). We are planning a kids’ table where they can create decorations for a night tree. Night trees are trees that you decorate with edible garland and ornaments to feed birds and other animals. They often come out to eat at night, hence the name. Kids can run out in the morning to see what was eaten overnight. Every night tree is unique – decorated as high as the children are tall!

We will have information on making your own “ornaments” if you want to continue decorating your night tree through the winter.

Local Foods Conference

I’m gearing up for a talk at the first SD Local Foods Conference in Huron this Friday. Two SD farmers markets were singled out to discuss their success stories. Thanks to everyone who supports the VAFM, contributing to our success. You can still register late for the conference, if interested. The brochure can be accessed at http://www.sdda.sd.gov/Department/PDF/Local%20Foods%20Conference%20Brochure.pdf.

Vote for your farmers market

We are asking for your support. The Yankton Press and Dakotan, Broadcaster, Press and Dakotan are holding a photo contest to showcase what you love most about our community. The Vermillion Area Farmers Market is asking for your vote on photo number 16 of our market. Simply log on to play2win.upickem.net, register, click VOTE and vote for number 16. You can vote once per day.

Send this to your friends and family encouraging them to vote for your farmers market.

Last day to vote is 11/14/11!!

Thank you!