It's been awhile since we had an update about market here on the blog! Hannah and I are still keeping busy every Saturday morning, and it's been an enjoyable experience so far. The market has been open for 20 weeks now, and we've only missed two - one during the derecho and one during our Texas trip.
Ever since we got back from Texas, my baked good sales have actually been pretty abysmal...it was quite a sudden drop, too. I think we've determined that people are just more interested in the more abundant produce now, including corn, so they don't want sweets as much. I'm hopeful that as cooler weather comes, my sales will pick up. This past Saturday was a bit better than the previous 3 weeks.
It's been nice to get a number of regular customers that have their favorite items to come and buy. There's one man who always comes and gets 2 cheesecake wedges, no matter the flavor. He told me last week he may have to buy up some extra near the end of market to freeze for the winter months. :)
The farmers' booths around us are so colorful and overflowing with yummy garden produce and flowers! We have tried out some corn, plums, and eggs from fellow vendors, and everything is so good.
There have been a couple of weeks lately that Hannah was unable to be at market for the full morning, so Mom has helped out with manning her table. :) It was nice to have her there and point out all the people that we've been telling her about. We've also had several "interesting" run-ins, with some rather odd people. Why are the odd ones usually the most talkative?
If we decide to do market next year, we need to attend at least 20 weeks this year to have a reserved space. Only 2 more weeks until we hit that threshold! Yay!
Market runs until the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and we should be able to make them all. There will be a couple of weeks that Hannah will be at different craft shows with Granny, but I think I should be able to still go and perhaps bring a small sampling of soaps as well.
The temperatures the past few weeks have been wonderful - I'm glad to be past the 95 degree days, when my candy was melting. I'd rather be a tad chilly while setting up! :)
There was a hint of fall in the air today, in fact...it was a rainy afternoon, and some really nice cool air is blowing in the windows. I just heard some geese flying by outside, too! Ahhh. What's going on in your neck of the woods?
~Sarah
Oh, the Market sounds lovely and very enjoyable. Wow to have fall in the air, that is amazing especially when we are still in the low hundreds here. :( So wonderful to hear that Granny is able to be with you and Hannah at some of the events.
Have a blessed week!!
Angelina
Posted by: RubyJeans | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 08:19 PM
I'm so good it's been profitable for you and a good experience. The weather has been beautiful here, too. I'm a little nervous it means winter's coming fast, though!
Posted by: Stephanie in MI | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 08:58 PM
Your booth looks so nice. Hope your baked good sales pick up soon. It has been cooler here too - very strange for our area. I hope that doesn't mean winter will come early. I was hoping to get in another round in my garden.
Victoria
Posted by: victoria | Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 12:34 AM
Thank you for the update. I'd been wondering how the market was fairing and hope sales pick up for you as the weather changes. I bet as the holidays approach, people will want your cheesecakes as part of their holiday dinners.
Posted by: Lisa Spivey | Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 08:27 AM
Great update, Sarah! It made me smile as I recalled our surprise visit to your booth earlier this year. I love the picture of your Mom helping! In our neck of the woods we are: preparing to have the house carpeting steam cleaned, the exterior of the house pressure washed, moving around things as Sarah moved back home, preparing for the arrival of Jess's parents from Idaho & getting things organized for a week long trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where Lee and Jess rented a house for all of us to enjoy together. I would LOVE to have some of your delicious baked goods for our trip!
Posted by: Dorothy | Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 08:18 PM
Sounds like it has been a positive and learning experience.I hope you get the reserved space.
Wake Forest Market is now 2 times a week but not everyone comes on Wednesday.The summer market is every week from April to mid November.Then they have a winter market 2 times a month December-March.Winter one is scaled back but still good.
One cool thing they have is the market open the day before Thanksgiving.Get some good veggies for the holiday.
Posted by: Tammy C | Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 04:47 PM
Oh I always enjoy seeing your booth! What a wonderful way to make money and witness at the same time...along with chatting with customers and making friends. I pray the next 13 weeks are wonderful for you both.
Laura
Posted by: Laura | Friday, August 24, 2012 at 07:29 PM