The Weblog
The local foods movement is alive and well in Champaign County! Here are some updates on other projects while we finalize our virtual market:
Local Producers Map:
Our local producers map is ready for publication and you will soon be able to find it on gochampaign.com. Copies will be distributed around the community, in the local telephone book, and other “hangouts”. The guide lists the location and contact information for nearly 50 local producers within our county. The map was a project of the Local Food Council and printed with the help of some local sponsors including the Monument Square District, Champaign Bank, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farm Bureau and others. It is a great start to finding a local source for Champaign County’s finest!
Cool Change
It’s kind of a special feeling
When you’re out on the sea alone
Staring at the full moon, like a lover
Time for a cool change…
(Cool Change-Little River Band)
Cue the fall of 1979. Scene, the start of my sophomore year in high school. Homecoming dance. This song. So funny how the change in weather, change in the breeze, change of season, will bring about so many memories.
I thought the song title was appropriate for this time of the season we are now entering. The crisp mornings, the warm days, the amazing moonlight in the evenings with stars that shine like tiny diamonds, all over.
Since this summer, I have revisited my high school memories more than any other time. I have reconnected with my entire group of girls of 1982, and some of the guys that we deemed worthy of our presence…lol. My little impromptu class reunion, this past July, seemed to know that we were all searching for a missing piece, a missing soul, a need to revisit the people who helped to shape our young selves. Next Friday, the Girls of 1982 are planning an epic sleepover! A sleepover for the books!! Bringing nothing but scrapbooks, forgotten clothing from back then, a boat load of wine, and all in a posh hotel…we were the leaders of the pack, and we are so excited to begin this next journey in this new stage of life.
Very fitting for this time of the year. A renewal, a crisp love, a kiss back to a time of nothing but freedom, new ideas, and a dose of awesomeness!
This market is seeing a rebirth for the season. The area markets are closing for the season, some have closed, some are on the cusp of closing, and yet here we are, open all year, beckoning to you to remain full of love for your local vendors, locally produced items.
Another sign that the seasons are changing was this past Sunday. Our annual State of the Plate found us celebrating our county, steeped in agriculture, celebrating our growers, our producers. It was a perfect, cool, crisp, sunny autumn day. The scene was at Wren Farm in Mechanicsburg. The speakers were amazing!! You know them, locally, and through this market. The vendors brought their best game. The food was provided from local sources, prepared, in conjunction with local forces coming together, which would be your own Hippie and the Farmer duo, along with In Good Taste Catering. The vibe was electric. A day to remember, and to be thankful that our local fabric is alive, and vibrant! We revisited this local movement. We discussed the importance of agri-business, agri-tourism, agriculture…the backbone of our local fabric.
But above all the local, just revisit what you love. You have loved us for over five years…you continue to love us. Now, with the change of seasons, the change of weather, fall back, head over heels in love with us. Old friends never fade…they just grow more special with love, over time…
Peace, Love, Good Vibes…
Cosmic Pam