Rain or Shine

I haven't posted for a little while - I've been in transition from summer schedule to school-schedule and that always takes awhile to grab hold at our house. "Awhile" meaning, "probably until the end of the school year". *SIGH*  Trying counts, right? 

Now about the Market...

Last weekend we were put to the test. It rained, it poured and it blew. How could we blame vendors for not showing up and buyers not stopping? It was miserable weather and I will be the first to admit that as the storm clouds rolled in around 2pm when vendors usually start to set up, I was crossing my fingers that no one would show, we'd cancel the Market, and I could go home and take a nice long rainy afternoon nap. Then the two brave produce vendors showed up and long story short - we had one, long, wet, rainy, cold market.

Was  it worth it? As Napoleon Dynamite would say, "Heck, Yes!" Any cause worth your while never comes without a few obstacles - or stormy days. We believe the Providence Gardner's Market has a place in this community and we aren't going to let a few storm clouds rain on our parade! We are here, rain or shine. We sincerely appreciate those of you who have shown up week after week as vendors or buyers.  Thank you! :)

Produce Vendors: Not afraid of a little rain!

If I were to give a progress report, I'd say in general we've had an encouraging first season.Obviously some weeks have been better than others, and for that reason, I would like to make a humble appeal to the residents of Providence, and Cache Valley:  If you like the idea of a market being in Providence, please, please, please come and show your support on Saturdays. You don't even have to buy anything. Just the presence of your smiling face being there helps the market to grow and adds to our success. There are only four markets left until the last day of the season, October 22 - so please, come down one of those Saturdays from 3 to 6pm and check us out. If you don't want to stop, or don't have time, honk your horn or give us a wave to let us know you care.Help us make it enough of a success to cabbage on into the next Market season.

P.S.
We are still looking for musical (or other family-friendly) talent to perform/entertain. Plus we are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in contributing in either of these ways, please contact
Beth Munson at the Providence City Offices.

Bright Spot: Musical Guest Dan Robinson

...and free samples of Booth apples - YUM!

Lindsey McBride

Keep Calm And Cabbage On!

It figures that after I confess to my blighted blogging past that I would wait enough time in between posts to make the current four followers of this blog (whom I am sure have been on the edge of their seats!) start to believe that history just might repeat itself. What can I say? It's summer time and if you have kids that are out of school, pet chickens, or small dogs that have been trapped inside all winter you are as busy as I am trying to soak it all in before the snow comes. Despite that fact that Hobby Lobby and the rest of the retail world are currently setting up their Christmas displays, the only cold thing we want to think about right now at our house is otter pops, (Which BTW are free every weekend at the Market). Still with so much going on, the Boss (that's Me) sometimes gets a little overheated. To cool down I try to remind myself: Keep Calm And Carry On. 

"Keep Calm And Carry On" originated as one in a series of three British WWII posters that were plastered on the sides of English buildings. This simple saying was meant to motivate citizens and soldiers to never give up and also to remind them what they were fighting for. "Keep Calm And Carry On"  is also befitting of our local heritage. The original settlers were pioneers and immigrants who continued on despite their suffering and countless hardships. Their lasting legacy is our dear little city of Providence. Most of the settlers were of German descent and brought with them their own customs and foods - one of which was cabbage. When rotted cabbage becomes known as sauerkraut, which was bottled and stored for the winter and is apparently very tasty. (Cabbage Confession No2: I've never tried sauerkraut!) With that in mind, could there be any doubt that in Providence we don't "Carry On" we "Cabbage On". (If you are still don't get it, just come to the annual Sauerkraut Dinner, and you will see what I mean! Talk about sauerkraut enthusiasts!)

When you visit the Providence Farmer's Market and Bazaar on Saturday afternoons and you have questions, concerns, ideas just look for a volunteer wearing a green shirt that says, "Keep Calm And Cabbage On". We would be more than happy to help you out, point you in the right direction, give you a free otter pop or try to convince you to volunteer.

See you there!

Lindsey McB

New Guidelines:

We had  two great questions from The Handmade Heritage on our last post:

UPDATE: Latest Guideline Additions...

Value - Added Agricultural Products

Cottage Kitchen Vendor

Q: Where do we submit the vendor application?               A: Vendor applications need to be turned in prior to the first day of Market (Sat. July 9) to the Providence City offices, but your fee of $5 will be collected on the day of the event. There are several ways you can turn in your application:

• Drop it by the Providence City office during business hours (Mon-Thurs 7:30am-5:30pm)
• Fax it to Attn: Beth Munson at (435) 753-1586
• Mail it  Providence City, Attn: Beth Munson 15 S Main
  Providence, UT 84332

Q: Are you still creating the vendor guidelines (can we expect further guidelines in the near future)?            

Call for Vendors!

Horaay! Providence City is ready to announce that plans for the Gardner's Market & Bazaar are underway and we are looking for vendors! Here's the scoop on the main details to date:

 Providence 
Gardner's Market & Bazaar

featuring local artisans, crafters & growers

Saturdays from 3pm-6pm 

July 9 - October 22

(weather permitting)

Providence City Softball Field
(100 N. 100 E.)

 

Participant Fee: $5/week
 Jr. Market Participant Fee: $1/week

(collected the day of market)

Other exciting features include: 

• Jr. Market Section - for kids ages 8-17 (under 13 must be accompanied by a guardian)
• Local Music/Talent performance opportunities
• FREE Otter Pops every week!

for an application & more information on requirements 
download a Market Application HERE

 Another place to pick up an application is at the 

Providence City Offices, located at 15 S. Main 

Monday through Thursday between 7:30 - 5:30. 

The city offices are closed on Fridays to through traffic.

Also, if you happen to know or bump into one of the friendly Farmer's Market Committee Members they would all be happy to give you an application as well.

City Employees/Council Members: 

Beth Munson

Dave Low

Skarlett Bankhead

Market Organizers:

Roxie Ashby

Broc Hoggan

David Goepel

Lindsey McBride

For any other questions regarding the market or if you would like to volunteer,

please contact Beth Munson 

(435)752-9441 x18

We are looking forward to a fabulous Farmer's Market season and can't wait to have you join us!