Market is Closed

So October 1st marked the end of the Farmers Market for Gorge Grown Food Network. Most of you know that Todd has been very involved (dare I say integral) to the organization since we moved here in early 2007. He literally went to a meeting one of our first weeks in town, and I like to joke with him that he is the only person I know who goes to a meeting and leaves with a career. For those who don't know, Gorge Grown Food Network is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create a sustainable regional food system (basically keeping local foods local). He may blog later about his thoughts on what this means, but in the meantime you can check it out at http://www.gorgegrown.com/.

In addition to the general operations of the organization Todd stepped up and began managing the weekly Farmer's Market on Thursday evenings last year. Let me just say (since he'll never say it, but I can) that he is glorious in this position. It is such a great use of his skill set. He has made the market into the social event of the summer. He has a childrens activity (usually one of the local pre-schools) and music booked every week. There is food available at the market and blankets provided for picnics. I come down with the kids, grab a blanket, feed them (usually homemade tamales...yum!) and sit and enjoy hours of hanging out with the other families who show up. I end up seeing many many friends and the kids are entertained with the childrens' activity of the night and playing with their friends. Oh and did I mention I get my shopping for the week done as well, directly from our local farmers...truely it is fabulous!! And the farmers absolutely love Todd and how he is shaping the market.

As wonderful as the market is, it takes an enormous amount of time. It is open from mid-June through the beginning of October, and it means that we as a family have to give up some of our time with him so he can do this. We are certainly willing to share Todd because we believe in Gorge Grown and mostly because he has alot of fun doing it and we like to see him happy, but come October I am ready for the market to come to a close.

So when that closing bell rings I will miss the market no doubt but I rejoice in having my husband back for the "off season".

The kids ringing the closing bell with Todd.....see ya next June!!