The opening of the 18th!!! season of the Lansdowne Farmers Market is now in the books. At precisely 9:00 a.m., Mayor Magda Byrne hit that cowbell hard and we were off to the races. So, welcome back, everyone! And a HUGE thanks to Duncan and the boys of The Shine, who gave the season a musical shot in the arm. Hoagie, that doumbek was killer. My hips are still in recovery!
In case you missed it, following our grand opening, we made the front page of the Delco Times, with interviews of both the vendors and the visitors. We seem to be doing things right by both sides. Don’t believe me? Go here. Just between you ‘n me…I think Lansdowne is going to keep the local newshounds busy this year. Lots goin’ on.
Last Saturday, as we do each opening day, we invite ALL the vendors, regardless of their regular scheduled weeks, to come and put up their tents. I’ll try, as the weeks go by, to introduce you to a newcomer. This week’s winner isn’t food-related…well…maybe a little…it’s Hot Knives Sharpening…and whether it’s for steak on the bar-b or the holiday bird, Paul can make your carving skills the stuff of family legend. Also, he can give those sad, rusty garden tools a manicure so you can get crackin’ on those hedges. Please trim responsibly.
Best advice: Before emptying out your tool shed, stop by and ask Paul’s advice on what can/can’t be done at his tent. He’ll be here every week!
Now, on to the star of the show…the food! Specifically the STRAWBERRIES! I can’t be sure, but I might have pushed a few slowpokes (sorry Kellie Bowker) on my way to the Tucquan Acres produce wagon, but I was on a mission…to end my personal winter strawberry embargo. There they were…big, red and beckoning…and delivering everything they promised. Dear reader, I may have swooned.
And speaking of produce, this season we say a very fond goodbye to our first and most loyal LFM vendor, Mike and Fruitwood Farm, who was here for that first cowbell 18 seasons ago. So many thanks are in order for all the corn and peaches and melons and the friendly faces behind the tables.
Lucky for us, a couple of years ago we found room for a covered wagon crammed with produce, a farmer and the farmers’ kids…and with their trusty, crusty sidekick Karl, Tucquan Acres laid claim to a corner and set up shop. And they will be expanding. Oo blah dee oo blah dah. You’ll also notice more prepared foods along the midway…baked goods, meats, and healthy juice drinks. It may take me awhile to suss them all out, but somebody’s gotta do it. I’ll report back.
In the Music Tent: G3Soul Chris Cross and his searing soul music. Yes, please! When this man sings out all of his soul, he reaches down and grabs yours! Don’t miss this.
Final note: Many of us had our Memorial Day plans rained on or out, but I hope you found a moment or two to remember why we celebrate this day, and maybe that family member who served so that we could.
I’m gonna keep saying this until someone answers: I’m looking for a musically adept volunteer…or two…or three…willing to come each Market Day to help with music set up (9:30 a.m.) and take-down (noon).
In fact, the entire Market Committee is in need of several fresh recruits…who are not currently AARP members… for the 7:45 a.m. set-up and 1:00 p.m. take down drill.
Please come, sit, talk to anyone of us at the Marketing Tent. We’re lots of fun.
That’s it for now…thanks for reading. Extra thanks if you type me a note to say you’ve visited. And before you log off, go read the rest of the LEDC Newsletter to see what else (and there’s a lot) is on tap for the summer. Visit LansdowneFarmersMarket.com to see who’s and what’s up next.
Lansdowne…my town.
Terry Baraldi