Saturday, March 19, 2011

Bowdon, ND - Farmers' Market: Should It Continue?

Hi Everyone! I received an email from Linda Widicker, one of the organizers and managers of the Bowdon Farmers' Market. It was addressed to the friends, neighbors and supporters of their farmer's market, so I hope you will read the letter and respond to her questions.

Personally, I've tremendously enjoyed their market for the past two years. In fact, I've taken lots of pictures of their activities, featured them on CarringtonNews.Com. and received lots of positive feedback about their organization.

It was always a pleasure to take the scenic drive from Carrington, observing how the landscape changed as the summer progressed. Then at the end of the drive, I always found a variety of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables which were in season. Also, I can't even begin to describe the pleasure that my family and friends got from the scrumptious pies, pastries and baked goods that I found there! Mmmmm..... the home-made breads! Made from locally grown wheat, flax and other nutritious grains... Hot homemade bread, covered in real butter... How can you beat that?!!!

Also, if you didn't have a chance to visit the Bowdon market in the past, you missed out on many talented musicians who entertained during the event. As well, there were interesting demonstrations, one of my favorites being the process of turning wool into all colors of beautiful yarn. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the Bowdon cafe that is attached to the market where you can get a wonderful homemade meal for a very reasonable price! Can you tell that I'm definitely hoping that the Bowdon Farmers' Market continues to be a part of my life!!

Anyway, back to my first request... Please take a look at the following letter and give the Bowdon community some feedback:

  • "Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters of the Bowdon Farmers' Market:

    Members of the Bowdon Farmers' Market met on Thursday, March 17, to make plans for the upcoming farmer's market season. The Farmers' Market has proved to be a good thing for the Bowdon community and folks have enjoyed the festive atmosphere at the Wednesday night markets in the gym.

    The markets provided fresh garden produce, baked goods, hand-crafted items, home-cooked meals, great musical entertainment, fun contests and door prizes, and informative craft demonstrations. They also gave Bowdon residents a chance to visit with each other and meet some new faces as folks from surrounding communities who came to join the fun.

    Our questions are:

    1. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE FARMER'S MARKET CONTINUE IN BOWDON?

    2. WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO HELP WITH THE PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION?

    MORE WILLING HEARTS and HANDS are needed to make the 2011 season a sucess! Our hard-working vendors have the biggest task - it takes a lot of work to bring their fresh garden produce and hand-crafted items to the customers.

    Along with the vendors, we are needing community supporters and planners for the upcoming season.

    3. IS THE BOWDON COMMUNITY ABLE/WILLING TO HELP PROVIDE THE VENUE TO KEEP A STRONG FARMERS' MARKET OPERATING IN OUR TOWN?

    We are planning a short, informational meeting to discuss the Bowdon Farmers' Market on:
    SUNDAY, MARCH 27, at 4:30 p.m. at the Bowdon Community Center

    The meeting will immediately follow the Community Food Forum and viewing of the movie, "FRESH."

    The Food Forum, which begins at 2 p.m., is open to ALL.

    We would like to invite everyone interested in the Food Forum and the Bowdon Farmers' Market to attend either (or both) meetings on Sunday.

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT IN THE BOWDON FARMERS' MARKET!"

By the way, you can click here to see some photos of the market in session!