So, winter is our slow time, right? Apparently not!
The Saturday markets have been full, festive and productive and this Saturday is no exception. Santa will be here – after all, his sister, Pat Johnson, lives in Webb City, is a big market fan and also Santa’s seamstress. His outfit (it’s not a costume he is very quick to point out!) is beautiful. And his beard is a pleasure to behold too, as is the twinkle in his eye. Santa has a soft spot for animals so he’s hoping for lots of kids and lots of pets, too. Ask him about the boa constrictor he once posed with. 
Mrs. Claus will be on hand as well, and so will our scarecrows Suzy and Suzette. Suzette is so excited about Christmas that she’s all ready for Christmas Eve in her holiday pjs. (That's my mom, Frances Nichols, with Suzette and Suzy.)
Harmony Hill Farm will serve chicken noodle soup and garlic bread for $3.50. You can eat in or take out. Red Bridge Trio will perform their Christmas show so you may want to eat in (AND take out). Market Lady Jordan Nichols demonstrates and gives samples of turkey black bean chili. The regular market and the Christkindlmarket will be packed with good things you won’t want to miss.
The Christmas Eve Market is on Thursday. We’ll be open from 11 to 1 in the pavilion. That’s our last Christkindlmarket. Be sure to place your baked goods orders so you get just what you want. Harmony Hill will serve pizza casserole and a side salad for $3.50 for lunch. Rob Pommert will play.
We’ll be closed on Saturday, December 26, and reopen for the new year on January 2.
The market’s Winter Production Education Site is nearly set up. The seed starting structure and the two high tunnels are up. We’re just waiting for a calm day to pull the plastic on the tunnels. It’s taken five full days of effort by our farmers and Extension but already we’re seeing lots of interest by our farmers in what they are learning.
The kitchen has been going full tilt with Hazel’s Bakery testing it for us. With dozens and dozens of cookies ordered for the holidays, the bakery is giving it a thorough trial.
We had our first opportunity to partner with another organization in using the kitchen. The Carterville food pantry had an incredible gift of frozen chicken sandwiches – 8 pallets worth. Their on-site freezer wasn’t nearly big enough to handle it all, so the truck was redirected to the market kitchen. We fired up (or froze up) one of our 8’ x 20’ walk in freezers. It was to temp in about an hour and ready to accept the load. And it is almost completely loaded. The pantry will reimburse us for the power used and they’ll have thousands of meals to share with those in need.
Who would have guessed all this lay in the market’s future? The future is bright and exciting – just like the market will be tomorrow. Come revel in it!
