Bye, Ryan!

With the heat and humidity and constant rain (ummm, thanks, Fay?), it was a slow week at the market on August 23. Of course, to put this in perspective, a slow Saturday this season would have been a banner Saturday last year. We did have a steady trickle of folks coming for fresh fruits and veggies. Can't complain whenever we hit over 75 people in two hours.

Maybe people were feeling bummed that it was Ryan Betz's last market. That's right, Ryan is outta here, heading to Hattiesburg before pursuing graduate school. This year's market would not have been nearly as successful without his dedication and energy. Those fantastic t-shirts, bags, and stickers? Ryan found Strings Design and worked with them on the design and then got the order placed for the first printing. WIC participants able to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for their families? That was Ryan spearheading focus groups and outreach. The reason why I know each week how successful the market has been? Yup, that's Ryan, too. There's even more that he has done in his own quiet, low-key, diligent way. We'll miss him sorely but will work hard to keep his can-do spirit alive at the market.

Anyhoo, here's the recap:

• Rie Somlai and Alan Barton (both repeat volunteers) took care of the Friends Tent. There was an unusual but delicious Green Tomato Cake at the tent. The recipe was passed along by a market patron. Great way to use green tomatoes without frying them.
• Farmers present/ represented: the Sellers Gang, Mr. Smitty, the Egg Lady (Patrice Chandler), and Blue Lake Honey Farm
• Customers counted: 84
• Products sold: Pears, honey, okra, squash, green tomatoes, red tomatoes, jams, jellies, preserves, pickles, relishes, salsa, hot sauces, watermelons, cucumbers, eggs, and shelled purple hull peas.