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Can I have your opinion on the FM, either as a vendor or customer? Just your overall impression really. Is the market bustling or an "it" thing to do on Saturday mornings?
I saw that there are two honey vendors, do you think it could use another one?
Another question I have, is there an emphasis on locally grown food in Lex? Do the restaurants use local produce, when in season?
When my wife and I go to any Farmers Market, we will pass up ANYTHING that is not grown within a three-to-four county radius of Lexington. If it come from out of state then we will not buy it. In relation to honey, the local honey will have the nectar and pollen from the local plants and will give the best protection from allergens.
Many of our local restaurants will use locally produced products when in season. It is usually well received.
The Lexington Farmers' Market is a large (70+ vendors) festival type market...not necessarily a place to find homegrown fruits and vegetables. It is a great place to meet, greet and connect with your friends and family. You can sample and purchase foods right there. You can listen to music. You can see demonstrations. And, you can purchase some locally grown stuff...not guaranteed though because resellers are allowed. And, you might have to search for a parking space! I know that for a fact because I sold there for 10 years!
On the other hand you have the Bluegrass Farmers' Market which is guaranteed 100% homegrown or produced. It is a much smaller market with only 20 farmers. But, everything is grown, raised, baked, made or produced by the person selling it. There is no music, no demonstrations, no "eat it here" food vendors. Sounds boring and I guess it is but you can always find a convenient and free place to park, it is wheelchair and stroller friendly, the farmers know about everything that they sell and can help you with recipes, ideas, etc. And, they smile! The Bluegrass Farmers' Market was named #1 in Kentucky for the past two years and they are trying for a 3rd year in the America's Farmland Trust sponsored Favorite Farmers Market contest. www.farmland.org
Okay, now back to your post...Yes, Lexington loves its farmers markets..both of them and they each serve a need and are most welcome. It just depends on what customers are looking for...excitement and fun or honest to gosh homegrown.
BTW, there are a few more markets in Lexington but I honestly can't comment on them because I would be doing a disservice as I am not familiar with them.
Many restaurants take advantage of the local products available.
My opinion...The Lexington Farmers Market is a festival and fun. The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is a farmers market and not much fun. Both of them are great in their own way.
The one thing I wish all farmers' markets could do and enforce - would be to stop people from bringing their dogs along. It's confusing for the animals, and hardly sanitary to have a dog on the same level as produce stored or displayed at ground level - think about it. Vendors have told me they don't like this at all, for obvious reasons, but feel unable to speak to the offending customers.
I have seen dogfights, dogs who are antagonistic towards people, attempts at biting strangers, tangled leashes tripping up small children and elderly shoppers, heard excessive barking by distressed or over-excited dogs, and seen dogs clearly in distress from burning paws on hot pavement and lack of water on the extremely hot days we've experienced this summer.
Please, people, dogs should not be used as your cute little accessories. Don't leave them in your parked car, either - leave them at home, with water, shade, and peace. Thank you.
(and yes, I do like dogs. Just not at the farmers' markets!).
CraigCreek, you should never see produce displayed or stored at ground level...the health department frowns on that and no respectible farmer would do it.
Cartomanlex
Absolutely! Why would anyone not want to buy local? As for honey, if there are resellers like Herbgal says, the honey sold there may not be local and therefore have no protections for allergens. And now I am going to plug local beekeepers for anyone reading this: Honey sold in supermarkets may be from China. The U.S. has banned honey from China and they get around the ban by shipping it through Taiwan. Also, honey sold in stores is usually cut w/corn syrup. This is the reason it is cheaper than what I can sell to you.
Herbgal
Great info, thanks!
CraigCreek
That's disappointing that more people aren't in better control of their animals.
If you're from Indiana and interested in selling honey to Lexington, maybe your best option would be using the FM as a marketing tool to get repeat customers who buy directly from you online or via the mail. I know I've encountered producers at FMs who I've looked up online and bought from later on even without going back to the FM. Otherwise, it might be a long drive if your main focus is to make money only from selling while at the FM.
Certain restaurants in Lexington do seek out local products though. Most are around downtown. Google the restaurants around the downtown area and I'm sure you will find a few you could market to.
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