About two weeks ago, the Redlands Saturday morning Farmers Market began its 2010 season and already, I can tell you it's gonna be a great one.
Returning for our second season, we are enjoying seeing neighbors we met last year and meeting new ones each week. What a complement this market is to the City of Redlands downtown, the Thursday Night market, and the overall atmosphere of our great city! [yes, I am bit partial - we live here, work here, all three of our children were born, educated and are growing up here - heck, our oldest is about to begin his college education right here at the University of Redlands this fall!]
In March, we began our presence at the Thursday Night Farmers Market at what most people refer to as "Market Night". Truth be told, I was not all that excited to be up past my 8:30 p.m. bedtime and downtown where it can be a little too loud and hectic for me [not to mention, cold,].
Having our oldest son Isaac with me has made all of the difference! He manages to park us, set up, tear down, keep track of what herbs and veggie starters are sold - plus he is really getting the hang of helping to answer questions and knows quite a bit about the plants and gardening here in the IE.
Yes, the market is sometimes very busy. I tell others that if I can do it, so can you! If all you are after is fresh foods, the certified section is between 6th and 7th street. We would love to see you! In just a few weeks time, we are saying "hello" to familiar faces each week. Just last week, a young friend from the Beaumont area stopped back in to let us know how great all of the plants he picked up several weeks ago are doing and picked up almost a whole flat to add to his garden [yes, we offer a killer special on a flat of plants to encourage you to plant a really great, abundant garden full of veggies and herbs!]
As to the Saturday morning market, you all have restored my faith that people eat both broccoli and kale. THANK YOU! Sorry Thursday night folks, more kale and broccoli plants have made their way into gardens in just 2 weeks by the early morning risers than all Thursday evenings combined! The challenge is ON!
Last Saturday, the second market of the season, we could see that people are getting their hands dirty and planting their home veggie gardens! Lettuce, beets, kale, tomato and oregano were the favorites as was the Ogen melons [if you have space, you must plant an heirloom melon this year! You will not be sorry!]
While I haven't quite adjusted to the pace of the spring season, with two markets per week and one more starting next month [Hey San Bernardino, here we come - Wednesday am 9:30 -1:00
Court Street Square at Court and E Streets. ] added to the full-time nursery growing operation which is in full swing - seeing all of you, my community at the markets does make it all worth while!
Thank you all for the kind and warm welcome you have given us! Thank you for valuing the work we do of naturally growing lots of yummy herbs and veggie starters for the gardens here in the Inland Empire. We are amazed to see how many more neighbors are choosing to purchase locally grown plants and produce.
On behalf of the vendors who come down each week to the local farmers markets, we thank you for your continued support !
Enjoy the day and see you at the Market!
Carrie-Anne
Hey sorry to bug you! But what time does the saturday morning farmers market start? Thanks. Love the post!
ReplyDeleteBright and early - 7am! and runs until 10:00am
ReplyDeleteThe market startes to fill up between 8:30-9:00, so if you can, come earlier - especially if you have questions!
See you then!