Thursday

Welcome Stearns Design-Build

Wonderful news! The Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market has added a new business membership. Everyone give a warm welcome to Stearns Design-Build! Thanks, Hugh for your support!

Tuesday

Local artisans scheduled for market demonstrations

"Friends" volunteer Helen Wise has been working with local musicians, woodworkers, blacksmiths, and painters to enhance our Saturday market experience. 

Be sure to join us Saturday April 25, when local woodworker Stacie Grange demonstrates her wonderful talent while you shop for the freshest produce in the Brazos Valley. 

And this is just the first of many special art events. May will feature a blacksmith, and we are also working with "Friends" volunteer and local artist Cherry Moore, to offer painting demonstrations later this spring. 

What a great time to be at the market! Be sure to spread the word about this event and let Helen know if there are others in our community who might like to participate. 

Thanks, Helen, for all the hard work that makes this possible!

Thursday

Join Us!

Is market day your favorite day of the week?

Do you invite your friends and family to join you because you can't contain your enthusiasm for the good food and community interaction that the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market provides?

Chances are, you're just who we're looking for! We're excited about local food and are spreading the word throughout the Brazos Valley. Join us!


How Do I Become a "Friend?"

Complete an Application:

The first step to becoming a "Friend" of the market is to complete a membership application. Annual membership fees ensure a solid base from which to fund the many activities promoted by the group - like fundraising events, booths at festivals and fairs, educational brochures, and much more!

Membership Levels:
  • Market Friend level ($10) - You'll receive updates from FBVFM officers with the latest information on upcoming events, fundraising activities, and opportunities to volunteer. You'll also be invited to our bi-monthly volunteer meetings as well as the annual meeting where we'll go over the annual report and have the opportunity to vote for officers and directors.

  • Market Vendor level ($0) - You'll receive the same benefits as "Market Friend" but there is no charge to vendors in good standing with the BVFM.

  • Couples Discount level ($15) - You'll receive the same benefits as "Market Friend" but at a reduced rate for couples.

  • Community Supporter level ($30) - You'll receive all of the above benefits, plus recognition in our newsletter and on the website.

  • Business Partner level ($50) - You'll receive all of the above benefits, plus a link/your logo on this website and the opportunity to advertise through our fundraising activities.
Membership applications can be obtained by contacting us at friends.bvfm@gmail.com. Even better, we can now accept membership dues via Google Checkout. Just select your membership level in the right hand column, click on the "buy now" button, and pay with your credit card. As soon as we receive your payment, we'll contact you to obtain the contact information we need for our membership records.


Get Involved:

As a member, you'll receive periodic updates from FBVFM officers with the latest information on upcoming events, fundraising activities, and opportunities to volunteer. You can also keep your eye on our Upcoming Events page for the most updated information on volunteer opportunities.

It's that easy, so become a "Friend" today!

Wednesday

Village Foods Grand Opening

Another very successful special event for the Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers Market. We had 10 vendors participate in the festivities which launched the grand opening of the new Village Foods. 

"Friends" volunteers Pilar Gonzales, Brad Roberson, and Dave Duchscher did a fabulous job promoting the market, handing out more than a hundred market fliers, and giving me a chance to meet with vendors, and give a few of our customers some special attention. After a meeting with me last week, Molly Ward, owner of Square One in downtown Bryan, stopped by the market so that I could introduce her to our local producers. Square One is in the process of going local. They are already using Tanya's Millican Produce tomatoes but are in the process of updating their menus with additional local foods. Way to go local, Square One!

There are plenty more opportunities to volunteer for upcoming event booths. Be sure to check out our Upcoming Events page for more info and let me know if you'd like to volunteer. 

See you next time!

Monday

Messina Hof Birthday Bash

Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day for an outdoor birthday party and winery owners Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo couldn't have picked a better weekend. Hundreds of well wishers from all over the state came in to help Paul celebrate his special day and the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market was there to add to the festivities. 

Messina Hof owners Paul and Merrill, are familiar faces at our weekly farmers' market. And in addition to a winery and a bed and breakfast, the Bonarrigos own an on-site restaurant that serves a wonderful 80% local fare! Go local!

Sixteen vendors set up shop just in front of the store/wine tasting room where visitors talked, sipped wine, nibbled on appetizers, and (thankfully) shopped to their hearts content picking up local foods and crafts.

Pilar Gonzales and I were there to man the informational booth. We had a chance to talk to a few locals about the market and upcoming events, hand out quite a few fliers on our market and the benefits of eating locally, and we even had a potential new vendor approach us about applying. Success! 

This was our first "special event" this year (and the first that was coordinated by "Friends") and I was pleased that it did so well. Hopefully there will be many more special events and celebrations in our farmers' market future. 

In additional to our regular market days, we have many more special events coming up. If you're interested in helping me host a booth, check out our Upcoming Events page, then email me to let me know you'd like to participate.

Hope to see you at our next event!