Greetings!   

I'm sitting here feeling thankful for the moisture --in whatever form it comes-- and trying not to be impatient for spring. I enjoyed the break between snow storms by spending some time at the Spring Expo, where the Emporia Farmers Market had one of four booths selected "Best in Show."  

To give credit where credit is due, I want to share a bit of the story behind this beautifully restored 1948 truck. I met Paul DuToit, of PrairieLand Partners, shortly after I began my job as manager for the market. Paul is a big believer in local food. He has a vision of Emporia as a place where young people can dream about and succeed in making a living on the family farm. He believes in a community where individuals, businesses and schools start local when putting food on the table.

Paul had this idea of a mascot of sorts for Emporia's local food movement. He got his hands on this old truck, and then attracted the attention of Jesse Wilson of Thurston's Plus. What they have created is a thing of beauty, sure to attract attention. The Emporia Farmers Market is honored to have our logo on this truck. I see it as just one symbol of the kind of community we live in and the kind of community I believe Emporia is growing to be. This truck exists because of people who believe in investing their passion and money and talent into something they believe in.

I had the opportunity to chat with many community members at the Expo this weekend, from regular market shoppers, to summertime shoppers who have not yet made it to a winter market, to people who still aren't all that familiar with what the market has to offer. One young man commented that he loved the farmers market, but the winter market just didn't have much to offer and so he didn't usually make the time to go.

It's true, our Indoor Winter Markets aren't as big and grand and bountiful as what you might find in July and August in the parking lot, but the fact is that we have a winter market (in its 3rd season) and we are growing and continually working to become what our customers desire. The best way to make sure your vision is accounted for is to come to the market and be a member of our community. Come for the produce and the delicious baked goods, but also come to visit with your neighbors and be entertained by our talented local musicians who give their time to enhance the market experience.

We'll be serving biscuits & gravy starting at 10AM again this Saturday and we'll have music by the lovely Jane McCoy. I hope that you join us. 

See you at the market!

Have you checked out the courses being offered at Community Connections this season? What a great resource for Emporia. Be sure to check out their many offerings. 

Emporia Area Local Food Network Calendar

Emporia Chamber Calendar

Emporia Gazette Calendar

Rudy Bradburn

Selling with EFM since December 2012

Rudy makes those handy-dandy lid assistant removers that you install beneath your kitchen cabinets. Rudy joined us for our Holiday Bazaar in December and plans to sell at select and special markets throughout 2013. 

Mark Lee, Mixed Media Sculptor

Selling with EFM since December 2012

Mark Lee is a mixed media sculptor inspired by Mother Nature. Mark joined us for our Holiday Bazaar in December and plans to sell at select and special markets throughout 2013.

Darren Shaw, Native American Indian Arts & Crafts

Selling with EFM since 2009

Handmade Jewelry

Country Flower Shed, Harold & Naomi Brenzikofer

Selling with EFM since ~ 1987

Products Offered: A variety of fresh produce, farm eggs, jams and jellies. Winter Market produce includes Romaine lettuce, spinach, and radishes.

Mators & Tators, Wanda Myers

Selling with EFM since ~ 2011

Products Offered: Winter market products include sweet potatoes and baked breads and rolls. Spring and summer markets, expect to see both heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, green beans, summer squash, okra, beets, onions, sweet peppers and hot peppers. Mators & Tators uses natural fertilizer and no pesticides in their garden. Baked goods are made with local eggs and honey and their own homegrown ingredients such as zucchini and sweet potatoes.

Indoor Winter Markets brought to you by a generous gift from the Emil Babinger Charitable Trust

______

1st & 3rd Saturdays

10 AM - 12:30 PM

March 2

Musician: Jane McCoy 

and

March 16

Musician: Anton Zouplna

Emporia Humanitarian Center

215 W. 6th Avenue

Thanks to the market's lead sponsor

Thank You to our Farmhands

The Market could not run without you!

Winter Market & Vision Card Enhancement Sponsor:

The Emil Babinger Chartiable Trust

Facilities Sponsors:

The City of Emporia

Lyon County K-State Research & Extension

 Elbert Liquor Store

Mark II Lumber

Media Sponsors:

KVOE

The Emporia Gazette

The Flint Hills Shopper

Community Partner & Event Sponsors:

Country Mart North

Emporia Community Foundation

Emporia Main Street 

Emporia Subways

Flint Hills Community Health Center

 Emporia Area Local Food Network 

Murphy's Menu

Chelsea Gerleman

RJ's Cake & Candy

Vanessa Apodaca
Tastefully Simple

Thurston's Plus 

Helpful Harvesters:

James & Theresa Muckenthaler 

Simmons Law Office 

Don & Ruth Wise

Many Thanks to the Friends of the Emporia Farmers Market & Farmhands

Office Hours:

by appointment 

  

Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce

Emporia Main Street

Our Local Food - Twin Rivers

Kansas Farmers Markets

Farmers Market Coalition