Sales were brisk during Molly Daniels' Christmas in July farmers market event last week, which also managed to demonstrate that even if it's 90 degrees outside, kids and parents alike will flock to Santa Claus.
Located near Traveler's Park at 501 E. Main St., the Farm to Table farmers market takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday throughout the summer months. The weekly market features local produce, hot food, live music, hand-crafted items including jewelry and home decor, locally-made wine, fresh eggs, face painting, a kids' corner and a beer garden.
Last Wednesday's Christmas-themed event included a visit from Santa Claus, free candy canes, a kids' arts and crafts area and Sean the Balloon Guy, who weathered the heat for several hours making balloon animals for a never-ending line of youngsters.
Daniels set about creating the farmers market earlier this year, after recognizing the community need. The farmers market has given several local emerging farmers the opportunity to market their products.
Chelsea Johansen and her husband Cody own and operate Rainy Sunday Ranch, which is located in Sultan. In addition to her hand-crafted, environmentally-friendly "coffee cuffs,GÇ¥ Johansen offered squash blossoms, zucchini, summer squash, green beans, garlic, onions, blueberries and fresh herbs. Her two daughters, Tempe and Cheyenne, helped her man the booth.
"We really want to grow good food that people can afford,GÇ¥ Chelsea said.
The Johansen family moved to Sultan last November, immediately acquiring an array of livestock. Their 10-acre farm is home to fiber goats, pigs, angora rabbits, Muscovy ducks and chickens.
Orange Star Farm owner Libby Reed, who moved to Monroe last year from Chicago, offered a bounty of head lettuce, arugula, beets, basil, kale, chard, zucchini and carrots. Reed is married to Monroe Library Managing Librarian Phil Spirito, who helped her start Orange Star Farm.
The two also raise chickens, which they market to other local business. Sam Wirsching, owner of Sam's Cats and Dogs, Naturally, uses Orange Star chicken to create 100 percent natural dog treats, which are available at his store.
In response to customer requests, Daniels has worked to increase the market's produce offerings. In addition to even more vegetables, last week she brought in baked goods and fresh cut flowers. She is currently looking for additional live musical performers to provide weekly entertainment.
For more information on upcoming farmers markets including vendor lists, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/farmtotablemonroe?fref=ts. For more information on performing at the farmers market, please contact Daniels at: farmtotablemonroe@outlook.com.Evelyn McCowan gets an early start on her Christmas wish list at the Monroe Farm to Table Farmers Market Wednesday. The Christmas in July event drew numerous families to the weekly market, new this year. (Photo by Chris Hendrickson)
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