The Entrepreneurial Market The business contagion of the farmers' Markets
The food to table movement is alive and thriving in Southern Indiana. The interest in healthy living can be seen at the urban and rural farmers’ markets, as well as the surge in the number of restaurants who buy their produce directly from these farmers. Local small organic farmers are stepping up to fill the demand with an entrepreneurial spirit, and the feeling must be contagious.
The effect of these farmers’ markets on the surrounding businesses and individual craftspeople is notable. The number of dry goods vendors that now participate in the farmers’ markets are increasing yearly.
The Farmers’ Market in New Albany http://newalbanyfarmersmarket.com/ has enjoyed tremendous success over the past ten years. Susan Kaempfer has been the Market Coordinator there for over ten years and has seen number of vendors. “Part of the reason for the success is that we like to think, 'the more, the merrier'." As a result, there are hand made goods ranging from soap to cutting boards and jellies to painted gourds.
Dave Thrasher is a local artist and personality that has been on the scene in downtown New Albany since before the recent business surge. He opened the Art Store seventeen years ago where he shows local art and is very involved in the community. The decor that he has created spills out onto the street, and he is especially known for the fork in swiss cheese sculpture in the middle of Main street at State Street. He is very happy about what the Farmers' Market has done for business in downtown New Albany.
Earth's Art has been across from the Farmers' Market in New Albany for five years at 209 E Market St New Albany, IN and is a prior vendor at the farmers'market.
The combination of entrepreneurship and community is contagious every Saturday morning. The businesses in the area are not the only ones dreaming of making money. The vendors that sell their wares along side the farmers are enjoying a similar success. Although many have weekend booths while working full time during the week, the Farmers' Market provides an opportunity for people to try an idea or test new products.
Crafty K Designs
Five Acre Farm
Five Acre Farm supplements the sale of carrots, lettuces and herbs with Gourds that are grown, dried and painted by hand on the farm.
The Farmers' Market success has brought business minded people together to create commerce and community. The larger the variety of products, the larger the crowd. It is the entrepreneurial spirit that makes these grass roots efforts come about. The food-to-table movement is very healthy for the body and the mind and also the economy.