BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Farmers Market is a great place to shop for fresh produce and other items.
Plant Vendor Spotlight: “Lavender Valley Farm”
Travis Dekoker “The Lavender Man” of Lavender Valley Farm first began vending at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market in 2012. After a brief hiatus, he has returned.
Travis disclosed that he used to work in a clock shop before figuring out that he needed to do something with his family’s farm that was just sitting there. He decided on lavenders because they are very self-sufficient. He explained the lavender plant is unique, there is no need to water or fertilize them, and the lavender acts as its own pest-repellent.
People usually associate lavender with two specific traits: its fragrance and its color. But you may not know that the lavender flower and the oil derived from it have long histories in herbal medicine.
The word lavender comes from the Latin root “lavare,” which literally means “to wash.” The earliest recorded use of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt. There, lavender oil played a role in the mummification process.
Produce Vendor Spotlight: “Getty’s Creek Farm”
Getty’s Creek Farm is located several miles east of Bloomington, in the hills of the Lake Monroe watershed. The farm’s land is mostly forested, with a few acres of open ground where vegetables are grown.
Proprietor, Karl Ost, shared, “We have been gardening and farming naturally here since 1982.
“We never use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs),” said Ost. “Our farming practices are guided by our commitment to the health of the land and all the living beings who rely upon it.
“We work hard to bring you the best food possible – delicious, fresh, and healthful. We sell our produce at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, and through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships,” Ost added.
Saturday’s performance at the Farmers’ Market features the return of The Modest Trio!
The Modest Trio is comprised of Mark Wiedenmayer on the keyboard, Susie Sullivan on Ukulele and drums, and Leah Savion on Ukulele. The Modest Trio will perform Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Mayor at the Market
Mayor at the Market is a community outreach program that invites Market-goers to interact with the mayor and various department heads from the City of Bloomington government. From the arts to potholes – any city-related topic you are interested in is up for discussion.
Bloomington Legal Department’s Corporation Counsel Beth Cate will be greeting the public from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at this Saturday’s Farmers’ Market.
The Farmers’ Market Advisory Council represents Market vendors, customers, and food and beverage artisans. The Council acts in an advisory capacity on policy matters relating to the Farmers’ Market. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 15, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
