Opening Day of Farmer’s Market

Today, April 16, was the first day of the season for our Argenta Farmer’s Market. It is a day we have been looking forward to since January. As fate would have it, we ended up with a free day yesterday to prepare. We bought a new tent, the very best we could find that fit the city code. We made lots of soap and lotion, secured a refrigerator, to meet new state law about selling eggs. Re-potted and spruced up tomato plants. In short everything we could do to ensure a great opening day. Last evening we spoke with a couple fellow farmers, pep talks for the morning. By eight o’clock, all chores done, truck loaded, in the house for a good night’s rest to be our best for the big day.
We woke up on time, got all animals fed, watered and happy before we left. It seemed a bit chilly while we were doing chores, but it was very early, so we chalked it up to the predawn hour. All chores accomplished and we were on the road on time.
Driving at six o’clock a.m. on Saturday, you do not encounter much traffic. However we had one pushy little man behind us. We were trying to go slow, as were carrying fragile tomato plants, but we didn’t have a sign that read that on our car, so how was anyone to know. Anyhow, the pushy little man was on our tail so were wanting to add a little speed, to reach speed limit and help him feel better, not a good idea. The road changed about this time and we were forced to break harder than expected. The cargo in the back slid forward…onto the tomato plants. We pulled over, readjusted and went on. Well about a mile down the road, another problem, had to break hard again, more sliding. It was not looking good for the fragile tomato plants. Again we pulled over, readjusted and again we went on. By the time we arrived, we had ten minutes until the market opened. Not much time to unload and set up. Imagine our surprise when only two of our plants were broken and we had only lost a leaf or two on a couple of the others. All in all not too bad. Now at our market, you cannot act like you don’t know they are ready to open as a big cowbell is rung to signal the opening. So, cowbell rings and we are still setting up. Well it seems other farmers are also having an eventful day. One farmer has locked his keys in vehicle with all of his product. One farmer pulled in with a flat tire on his van and one farmer is fifteen minutes late. Now add to this that chilly weather I mentioned earlier. The temperature has dropped to forty five and we have a fifteen mile an hour north wind. In a word, it is bitter. Will the customers, show in this weather? That remains to be seen. In a few hours we shall know. The early run is quiet. But by about nine the people start coming. As it ends up, we have a super opening day! All farmers are happy. Keys out of vehicle, tire changed, all is well….until we try to start our truck…dead! Happily we have friends and get immediate assistance. Everyone is loaded and on the road by twelve thirty. This is an opening day to reflect upon.

© 2024 tammysuescritters.com
tammysuescritters@gmail.com | 501.920.1532 |  
Child Theme by SML Tech Services | Log In