Survived and Going Strong

ATTENTION!!! Saturday May 18th, Members and customers please use Fair Avenue entrance to the fairgrounds. That is the entrance below the Jr Fair Building. This is due to the dog show going on and will be less confusing for everybody. Thank you very much.

 The market as a whole is surviving the fire and doing well. You can find us under the grandstands and under the roller rink on a rainy day. Plants and flowers and herbs abound. Spring vegetables are present in small supply but available. Strawberries and rhubarb have made their presence.

The crafts are still limited, but boy are the crafters busy creating. There are new items every week, including jewelry, soaps, candles, wood items (pictures, spoons, bowls), knitted items (toys, baby blankets, booties), fabric items (purses, pillows, aprons), home decor, bird houses,  feeders and feed, and pottery, 

When you buy from this market you are not only getting the best product in the area, you are also getting the best workmanship, baking and garden skills. These items are not shipped in from anywhere else.  The produce is freshly picked, the baked goods freshly baked and sometimes still warm. The  crafts are one-of-a-kind straight from the fingers and hearts of local crafters.

We want to thank all our wonderful customers and this awesome community for your show of support in the last weeks. We are forever grateful and love you all.

Our next event will be our annual Strawberry Festival on June 1st.

Have a Blessed Day

We will survive. Market tomorrow.

As I  am sure you have all heard, the River City Farmer's Market endured a terrible loss Monday, April 29th. The "Market" building, along with all the contents, was completely destroyed by fire. The loss of the building was great, but  the loss of the contents was greater. Produce members had tables and displays stored in the building.  The crafters, however, had ALL of their merchandise there.  They lost not only their product, but their displays as well.  Many of the items lost were "one of a kind" and not easily replaced, some not at all.  As mentioned in previous articles the items available were quality award winning crafts, lovingly handmade by the members. Hearts and souls went into each and every item, be it made from wood, fabric, wax, metal, gourds, or whatever the medium. 

For all things that we have lost, we are THANKFUL for the things that we did not lose.  No one was injured, the things lost were things. The best things in life are free and not really things.   We had lots of free things at this Market, and we still do.  We have Friends and Family and that is what this market is all about.  And in most cases, Friends and Family are the same because we have all become family, people who care greatly for one another. These things can not be taken from us......

Yes, the things lost were important to us all, but the loss of income is more important to some than others as it was a way to supplement their income and to better their lives financially. We all benefit from this market mentally and spiritually and will continue to do so.

WE WILL SURVIVE........ this market will continue.....the crafters may not have a big inventory, but we have spirit.  We will be there with whatever we can produce as we produce it.

The produce members are just now going at full force.  The flowers are beautiful and ready to perk up your yard.  The  garden plants are healthy and ready to grow in your garden. The meat, egg, cheese members and the bakers are all going on as well.

The CUSTOMER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST on May11th is STILL ON.  We will begin serving at 9:00 am and go as long as food lasts.  You can't keep us down. We will continue to be at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 922 Front St., Marietta  either under the Grandstand or under the skating rink depending on the weather.

After many of our loyal customers and the caring people from this community had inquired about financially helping this market, a Relief fund was set up.  Any donation can be made to the River City Farmer's Market Relief Fund, c/o Advantage Bank, 226 3rd St., Marietta, OH  45750.

Thank you all for your prayers, loving thoughts, and your continued support. We continue to be open EVERY SATURDAY, YEAR ROUND from 8:00 to 1:00.

Check us out on Facebook at River City Farmers Market, or at www.rivercityfarmersmarket.org or www.rivercityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com,

Questions? Please call President, Gary Smith at 740-984-2840 or Vice President,
Debbie Cunningham at 740-373-0921.

This day as I gaze out my window, I am lost and blinded by the tears. I was awakened this morning by a phone call telling me, that our market building was on fire. It wasn’t but a short time later, that my husband called to let me know it was a total loss. So much gone, so many hours of hard work , so much money, so many pieces of artwork, handcrafted with loving hands by so many…all gone. There are not words to describe the loss I am feeling right now. This was someone’s dream gone up in smoke. This was someone’s lively hood. this was their medicine, their food, their utility bills. For some just that little extra that kept them going.
This building such as it was, a poultry and rabbit barn for the fair, yes, but so much more. It was our market place, our store front, yes. But it was also our social outlet. A great place where neighbors and friends and family came together every Saturday morning to sell their goods, to hang out with friends, to meet and make new friends, renew old acquaintances. For some it was a reason to get out of bed.
This is a great loss not only to our members but a tremendous loss to the community as well
Where do we go from here???

Planting Season Begins

The big doors are open... Outdoor Stands are set up ...tables are loaded...It's official spring has sprung and it's garden planting time.

There is plenty to choose from here at the farmers market... plant wise anyway...cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes of all types...red... yellow...pink...stripe..from cherry size to sandwich size..you can find the right here. Pepper plants, flowers, and herbs will all be available.

Don't forget there is still plenty going on inside the building as well. Our crafts people are busy filling their shops with plenty of good things, for you to choose from, for that special gift for that someone special. Stop in, take a look and visit awhile , we are always happy to see you.

Have a Blessed Day
The former Jelly Lady

Today is our Spring Fling. Bring your children to the market and let them plant up a pot  so they can watch it grow. Every thing is supplied...soil, seed and pot. Come let them have a little fun this fine spring day.

Green --- the color of spring and cucumbers, kale, sprouts, flowers, plants, and more, all of which can be found right here at the River City Farmer's Market.
We open at 8:00 AM every Saturday, so get here early before the fresh veggies run out as supplies are limited at this time.  But you just wait, before long the doors will be open and the tables will be lined with all the fresh local veggies that you can imagine. Of course, we always have fresh local meats, cheeses and eggs along with award winning crafts.

Our next event will be May 11th - our ANNUAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST. We will begin serving at 9:00 AM  and continue cooking until the food runs out.  We will be serving sausage hot off the grill,  potato dishes, sausage gravy and biscuits, eggs and lots of breakfast breads and cookies - all home made by  the members of the market. This event really brings in the crowds as they look forward to it each year.  We will be having drawings for Mother's Day flowers again this year.  Tell a friend and bring a lawn chair and stay for the entire morning.

While you are here you can shop for your MOTHER'S DAY gift.  We will have a wide variety of hanging baskets and bedding plants including flowers, veggies,  herbs and even edible grass for your cat. We have baked goods, salsas, jewelry, purses, candles, lotions, items for the home, both useful and decorative, lawn furniture, pottery and so much more. Doesn't your Mother deserve the very best?  You'll find it here at "the Market"

We are still accepting donations for the Ohio Valley Humane Society.  Don't forget to get your free raffle ticket each time you donate with drawings to be held on April 27th and May 27th.  You may win money and the animals receive much needed help. This is a win-win situation.....

DID YOU KNOW?

Apples are a member of the rose family and that there are more than 7000 varieties in the world.

Lettuce is a member of the sunflower family and is the second most popular fresh vegetable.

Egg yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D.

We hope to see you at 922 Front Street, Marietta, every Saturday, Year round,  from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

"Like" us on Facebook at River City Farmer's Market.

Visit us @www.rivercityfarmersmarket.org. and rivercityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.

Questions, call President, Gary Smith at 740-984-2840 or Vice President, Debbie Cunningham at 740-373-0921.
 Have a great day

Our next event is our " SPRING FLING"  on APRIL 20th.  We will be providing seeds, potting cup and potting soil for all the children to start their very own flower or vegetable plant.  What fun it will be to experience the growing process.  They can care for their plant and watch it mature.  Should they choose a vegetable, they can eat their bounty. We hope that this will be a learning experience of a lifetime. This will be a morning long event so come in at your convenience before 1:00 pm.  For all who attend we will be offering cookies and coffee and a chance to win spring flowers.  Pick up your free raffle ticket that day.  The raffle is for one day only and the drawing  will be held at noon.  Put your phone number on the ticket to be notified if you are not going to be there to claim your flower.

Beginning APRIL 1st  through May 27th we will be accepting donations of food, toys, blankets, cat litter, cleaning supplies, etc. for the OHIO VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY.  The animals need your help too.  Let's keep the Humane Society able to help the homeless animals who need a meal, dry place to stay and lots of love.  In fact, there is probably a pet out there waiting for you..... Every time you drop off a donation you will receive a free raffle ticket for a monthly chance to win $25.00 market cash to spend with the member, or members,  of your choice. The April drawing will be held on the 27th and the May drawing on May 27th.  You need not be present to win,  just put your phone number on the ticket.

We would like to Thank all of those who helped out with our Food Drive. We, the market, appreciated it and  so did the pantries.  A little help  individually can add up to a lot of help for those in need.  Please remember to help whenever you can as food is always needed. Contact the local pantries in your area.

The flowers will be coming to the market so get those beds ready.  There will be bedding plants and hanging baskets to meet your every need, be it for shade, sun, ground cover or cutting. Flowers are a sure sign of spring. 

Of course, we will have vegetable plants too.  Get a head start on your garden. Nothing like going out to the garden for the freshest food available.  If you don't have garden space or the time to tend to a garden, you can come to the market for fresh-picked home grown veggies and herbs.  There is always a wide variety  from which to choose.

The bakers are still baking and the crafters are still crafting so make the market the highlight of your Saturday morning.  Come early and stay late.

We are open every Saturday year round. Our NEW SUMMER HOURS are 8 am until 1 pm at 922 Front Street (Washington County Fairgrounds)

"Like" us on Facebook at "River City Farmers Market".

Visit us at www.rivercityfarmersmarket.org. or wwwrivercityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com 

Questions? Call President, Gary Smith at 740-984-2840 or Vice President, Debbie Cunningham at 740-373-0921.

Have a wonderful day, enjoy the sunshine and come see us tomorrow. Remember 8:00 am to 1:00pm.

Spring has Sprung

Spring has sprung and it's starting to look pretty green, the birds are chirping and we are looking forward to gardening.  The farmers are already comparing the height of their plants and we are ready for some fresh veggies from the garden.  Some new plantings are already here, ready for you to plant. Nothing like getting a little dirt under the nails. The rewards are great.

The River City Farmer's Market's main goal is to promote a healthier way of living through better eating.

  The produce available here is all home grown locally.  We pride ourselves on the quality of produce available.  Our members make available a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, plants, fruits and so much more.  We do not always know what is in the food that we buy pre-packaged, but if you buy a tomato at the market, it is a tomato with no artificial enhancers. We will have fresh herbs to naturally flavor foods that we prepare.  How about some fresh sprouts for your salad or sandwich?

A lot of information is available these days about eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and breads made from whole grains.  Well, we have them all.

We have hormone free, organic meats and cheeses.  Some varieties of meat are chicken, beef, pork, rabbit and goat. Varieties of cheeses are too numerous to mention them all, but we have gouda, swiss, cheddar, garlic, pumpkin (yes, I said pumpkin) and many, many more.

Saturday, March 30th, we are having our 2nd annual Dessert Auction.   The auction begins at 10:00 am and ends when the last dessert is gone.The members, and some customers, are preparing their favorite Easter dessert for auction.  This was such a huge success last year that we just had to do it again.  Bid on a dessert, be it a German Chocolate or Lemon, Lemon or Coconut cake or even cookies for your Easter dinner.  All who attended last year had a blast and many had a one-of-a-kind dessert to call their own.

Also, we are still accepting donations for area food banks so desperately  in  need.
Be sure to get your free raffle ticket each time you donate.  We will hold a drawing on the 30th of March for  $25.00 market cash to spend with any member of your choice. You pick  your gift. You need not be present to win.

Speaking of gifts we have many Easter basket fillers.  How about kiddie soaps, crocheted animals, doggie bandanas, jewelry and more. Easter decor is still available for your home. And, of course, don't  forget your eggs for coloring.

We hope to see you every Saturday until 1:00 pm at the 922 Front Street, Marietta (Washington County Fairgrounds) year round.

Visit our FACEBOOK page: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM. You can give us a "like" on rivercityfarmers market.

We also have a lively website blog. Take a look: www.rivercityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.

Should you have any questions, please call President, Gary Smith at 740-984-2840 or Vice President, Debbie Cunningham at 740-373-0921.
Until next Saturday
Have a Blessed week