Saturday, May 26, was our first market for the season at the Kalamazoo Market. It was a rainy morning for setting up at market which is never fun no matter what time of year. However, the rain moved through and it cleared up by 9:00 as promised by the weather folks. And, the people came. Many of our customers/friends were shopping at the market on Saturday morning. And, there were many hugs and handshakes. They were as happy to see us as we were to see them after a long winter. This is always so welcome and heartwarming after many, many hours growing plants and seedlings, and days and days spent getting the field ready and planting.
Sometimes we never know what to expect as far as crowds at the market in May. In the past it seems the market picks up when the fruit farmers start bringing the berries to market in June. There were many vendors with asparagus. And, because the supply was high there also appeared to be a little price war going on. This is always interesting to watch if you happen not to be one of the participants. Ahhhh. Free enterprise.
Banner Flower Farm doesn't grow any produce. It has always been our belief that flower farmers don't do an exceptional job growing produce. And, likewise, produce growers aren't that good at growing beautiful flowers for market. People who come to market don't necessarily like to spend all their money at one stall. They generally like to spread their money around with several different vendors. Seasoned market customers seem to have their favorite vendors. They know who has the best sweet corn, or tomatoes, or mushrooms. They know the real market farmers; and, they know the resellers. They know the organic farmers. And, they know the flower farmer will have bright and beautiful bouquets!
Back to business. On June 16, the Kalamazoo Farmers Market will be celebrating their 60th anniversary at the Bank Street location. The Southwestern Michigan Magazine is doing a feature article on the market. The Banner's granddaughter, Cara Salvaggio, has given her permission for the use of some of her beautiful market photographs to be used in this publication.
We wish everyone a happy Memorial Day.
