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!
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing...
I’m in a spin, you know
Shaking on a string, you know
You make me feel like dancing, I’m gonna dance the night away
You make me feel like dancing, I’m gonna dance the night away
You make feel like dancing…
(Leo Sayer)
Because, well, who doesn’t think back to 1976 with this feel good tune. It takes me right back to care free days, nights at the skating rink, or sitting around one of my pal’s swimming pools, or just generally kickin’ it all over the place, growing up in the West End of my hometown.
And, truly, this market…the customers, the vendors, the managers…lol…patting myself on the back. All of it makes me want to dance!!
Today, I was able to be in the greenhouse, during drop off time of products, and yesterday, and last night, lol, and I loved chatting with the vendors. They are all just the loveliest bunch. And, it occurred to me that there is not one weak link in the bunch. That stopped me in my tracks. NOT. ONE. WEAK. LINK.
We are so proud of this market, and how far it has come. Some of the vendors have been around with me, since we all hit the early farmers’ markets scene, years ago. Like, ages ago. Some of the vendors are newer. Some are even the youngest group that we now have…the brother sisters group with eggs.
This day found me able to chat on the phone with one vendor, tonight, who I’ve been in the trenches with forever. She and I haven’t touched base, in so long, but kicking back and shooting the shit with her was just what my soul needed.
Another good friend of mine sent me a text that literally made me laugh harder than I have laughed in so long.
A customer brought me more music cds that he and his wife burn for me.
It just went on and on…the love, man, just the outpouring of love…it made me feel like dancing.
So, I open the market, this evening, once again!
Keep in mind, that next weekend is Labor Day, and you may want to order things for the holiday weekend!
If you get spices from JC Growers, they would be ecstatic at getting their glass bottles back, to reuse!! Jars, lids…they are hard to come by, these days.
Our egg vendors love getting their egg cartons back!
And…most importantly, we just want to see you all, next week…you just put the dance into it all.
XOXO,
Cosmic Pam