Weather hurts Farmers’ Market

By Alissa Jacob

Winter conditions caused the final winter’s Farmers’ Market to be the second event of the season rather than of the three usually held.

The market is held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 158 N. Fourth St. The market began 9 a.m. and ended 3 p.m. Saturday, and admission was $1.

Dan Kenney, organizer for the Farmers’ Market, began the market about four years ago. He said he started it to show support for local artists and farmers. Kenney said the market was very much affected by the winter weather.

“We had to cancel one because of the weather. We usually have it three times a year in winter,” Kenney said.

Kenney said 42 vendors participated at the final event and 250 to 300 people showed up to it.

“It has a real community feel to it, people really enjoy coming here; it’s very festive,” Kenney said.

The market featured vendors selling items such as organic foods, knitted clothes, crochet clothes, jewelry, essential oils, organic produce, bamboo needles, blankets and postcards.

One of the vendors was Ed Miguel, who held free tarot readings. According to the flier at his station, Miguel is in charge of a program called Shamanic Therapy through which he does readings from home.

“I love this place; I’m a member of the Universal Unitarian Church,” Miguel said. “The Farmers’ Market is a great place of sharing, and they sell good stuff.”

Another vendor was Laura Bomar, who was selling homemade jewelry, table weights and hair combs at her station. She said no two pair of her earrings and bracelets are alike.

“I love coming here. The music is great, the food is great,” Bomar said. “This is my second [Farmers’ Market]. The last one that they had was a bad day because of the weather.”

There was also music provided from local artists. One guitarist was Michael Simon, who goes by “Paco.” Simon’s songs included “Ring of Fire” and “Across the Universe.”

“I felt very free playing here; it was a chance to express myself,” Simon said. “This is the second time I’ve played. It was nice to be invited.”