Two Nights at the Market
The Ely Farmer’s Market
I have had the pleasure now of selling pork twice at the Ely Farmer’s Market in Whiteside Park. The first Tuesday night, May 27th, was just picture perfect – sunny with no wind. There were a bunch of vendors with everything from home canned tomatoes, jams and jellies, fresh lettuce to pork! I didn’t even get to visit all the booths. There were oodles of home-baked treats, dog biscuits, a woman showing her biodegradable disposable dinnerware and the Dorothy Molter folks were peddling bottles of root beer kept cold in a metal pail full of ice! Paul’s hydroponic heads of lettuce were so eye-catching. I bought two - and they were wonderful. There were lots of customers, and the atmosphere was so festive! It was fun. The time flew by. It’s only open from 5:30 until 7:00. We are on our word of honor not to sell any items until the bell signals our official opening. Customers are welcome to browse and get in line at a booth but no early sales are allowed. Of course, I’ll probably never sell out of pork, but my fresh eggs went within 10 minutes.
The second night was cold and windy. Although it threatened, the rain never came. There were fewer vendors, but I actually sold a bit more meat. I was pleased to see returning customers as well as someone who bought pork chops on one of last week’s customer’s recommendation! I am becoming a little more comfortable at salesmanship – a bit more outgoing. I am still uneasy asking for people’s attention – but I find that if I am a little more forward, I do sell more. I just don’t want to be obnoxious, you know? Our problem is that until we buy a fancy display freezer for Market days, it’s difficult to display meat. So I have to invite people to peek in the cooler I have set up so that they can see the great stuff I have. Then I climb up into the box of the pickup and take cuts of meat out of the chest freezer we have.
We plan to take part in the Ely Farmers Market on a regular basis. I hope to see you there! Did I mention that my new camera should be in soon ? The Chicago warehouse was out…so now it’s coming to Hibbing by way of San Francisco! I hope to have pictures from the Market next week! Cross your fingers. The Camera arrived! Here I am at the 4th Market night. My youngest came along with me and snapped a photo.