November 26, 2014

Good morning, it is real neat that we have just passed our second anniversary for the Alpine Farmers Market on Murphy Street. How time flies when having fun. It continues to be the high point of my week. It is such a treat to get to visit with everyone. The market also continues to grow and we are averaging 15 to 20 vendors on many occasions. I still envision the market spilling out from the courtyard and proceed to fill Murphy street. This happened last Earth Day when we had more than 50 vendors present. Talk about a party.

We always welcome new vendors. I feel some times when a patron comes to market they come up with ideas for things to sell at market and they come join us.

Deb and I sat down one Saturday and brainstormed for some potential vendor products that would be real good additions to all of our wonderful vendors. What follows is by no means a complete list.

Artisan bread maker, Commercial mobile kitchen, Tortillas, Homemade soap, Gifts in a jar, hand made toys, COFFEE, Frozen meals, Plants and seedlings (mainly veggies), Fruit and of course more Growers.........

I think it is appropriate to mention that we do not have a set up fee but we do very much appreciate any donation. We do ask that any vendor that makes $100 dollars or more to give a donation of $10 to the market.

Why do we ask this? These funds are used to advertise, and to build improvements for the market. Donation dollars have built our wonderful permanent shade structure, chalk boards, sand box and toys, crayons and coloring books, table top toys and a fabric Alpine Farmers Market sign. 

Soon we hope to have a rain catchment system and then we can plant some trees. Some caliche under the structure would be nice along with the driveway into the courtyard. We do have a donation jar on a table along with a wish list of projects that these donations would fund. There also is a blank space on this wish list for anyone to add their own ideas. All ideas are welcome!!

The market has come such a long way since there were only three or four vendors. I look forward to what the future holds for the market.

If you would like to join our vendor family or know someone who would, please call Mark or Debbie at 432-837-0118.

I can be reached at markdirtfarmer @gmail.com