Well…we can’t say we didn’t know…but we can say we still weren’t ready for it…we never are. Never ready to trade in our shorts and flip flops for sweaters, long pants and sensible shoes. But here we are. Last Call. Next stop: Jack Frost.
It was fun while it lasted. But HEY! we’re not quite done with the good times yet. This weekend the Farmers Market at the Landing is gonna squeeze 5 lbs. of fun into a 3 lb. sack.
First up: our last Community Day…when your neighbors let you know what they’ve been doing with themselves while you were off doing whatever.
Second: Calling all witches, goblins, super heroes and princesses… At the stroke of MidDay, Mayor Magda’s Halloween Happenin’ will be happening on the Landing. All parents must be accompanied by at least one child. There will be candy. No ID required.
Please sugarload responsibly.
Third: Those British baking shows will have nuthin’ on the culmination of the 2023 LFM BakeOff happening on the Landing from 11- noon. We’ll have a dozen or so competitors, with entries lined up at the Managers tent. Our top-notch, fully accredited judging panel will be on-hand …with fork in hand…to render their decision. Winners will be announced at noon.
Fourth: Just the usual weekly celebration of good food and good people…possibly on sugar highs.
Fifth: In the music tent: What better way to end this year than with certified local legend: Jim Klingler and Auld String Theory. I believe there may be banjos involved.
At this point, I usually have something incredibly interesting to say about onions or apples or such like…but I’m going to go a little deeper this last Market of the season.
I’ve lived in Lansdowne for all but a decade of my long life…so I think I’ve got some skin in the game. In all the Saturdays I’ve spent under the LFM tent, I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned… about foods, about people and different cultures, and how the passing scene has changed over the decade…but most importantly, how many friends I might never have met any other way. How I personally have witnessed how Lansdowne has grown in its welcome to new ways of living our own truths. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. As one friend puts it: We are a becoming a commUNITY. And nowhere is it truer than here each Saturday from May to October.
And hey…this isn’t really goodbye. Don’t forget that our Thanksgiving lollapalooza will be here on Saturday, Nov. 18th. ALL of our vendors are invited, so don’t miss your chance to get those last-minute ingredients for your holiday table, or a gift for the host/hostess.
NOTICE: Over the next season, the LFM will be experiencing some growing pains as the Landing space will be revitalized and reimagined. We may have to zig and zag during construction, but we are committed to do what it takes to connect our community with farm fresh foods and local goods. Exciting things are happening.
To that point, as much fun as we seem to be having, this Market doesn’t just happen…it takes work and commitment. So I was very gratified this last week to have several people express interest in spending some time next season as part of our team. An influx of new volunteers is vital for the LFM to continue into the future. So YES! No red tape involved. Do like I did…just show up, sit down, refuse to leave, and we’ll find something for you to do. No joke.
Here’s some food for thought on the subject…first written back in 2018 and still true:
To Market, to Market to buy some good stuff.
Had my basket and wallet…thought that was enough.
But when I arrived, where there should have been
Tents and commotion, there was none to be seen.
Where was everybody? I said to the air
But the Landing was empty. I slumped in a chair.
Where were the people who put up the tents?
I expected a market. This just doesn’t make sense
No people, no produce, no music, no chatter?
Nothing and no one. What could be the matter?
I had the right day, I had the right place;
But the manager’s slot was just empty space.
Finally it hit me… My friends, it appears
If you want things to happen, you need VOLUNTEERS!
That’s all she wrote…
Terry B