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!
US Blues
Red and white, blue suede shoes, I’m Uncle Sam, how do you do?
(US Blues-Grateful Dead)
Happy Monday, little local market of love customers!!
As you can see by my pick of songs, today, we are quickly approaching the 4th of July holiday, next Monday!! This is always my song to play for this celebration.
I once read an interview with Bob Weir, and he explained the references in this song to all be of the most respectful. And, if you followed The Grateful Dead, then, or if you are tuned into their music, now, you will note that Uncle Sam is a recurring character in their tales of songs. They have quite a cast of characters that they weave, in and out, of their songs, each song referring back, to another song or lyric, and reworking that character, into the woven words, of the different songs.
Just like the cast of characters (and, I use the term, characters, in a very loving way) of this market. We have the cast of vendors. We have the cast of customers. We have the stage crew who sets the stage, with the staff of the YMCA, and we have the two at the helm, your two market managers. This entire cast of characters all come together to weave your songs of local goodness, of market loyalty, of ever changing products, seasons, and stories.
Without a cast of characters, this little local market of love would have no life. It would be blue. It would be flat. It would never have evolved. We need each and every one of you to be a part of this cast of characters. Our Local Merry Makers. Our own band.
With this, and now the US Blues song implant, think about all that you will need for your July 4th celebrations. Keep in mind, that the market closes, tomorrow night, and your pick up is on Thursday. That means, this is the market you will need to place those orders, before the weekend!
Come on…join our cast of characters, sing our song, join our band…
Thanks for being a part of us!
Cosmic Pam
Leader of the band…