Fall Harvest Fest - This Saturday

Hello everyone,

I hope you are excited about the upcoming Fall Harvest Fest this weekend! Stock up on an assortment of winter squash for your own fall feast or just come to soak up the atmosphere! Don't forget to stop by the Friends' booth and sign up to volunteer at the market :)

Can't wait to see you all at the market this weekend!

Fall Harvest Festival

Come out to the BVFM on Saturday 1st October to celebrate the last month of the summer bounty. This will be a celebration of abundance. You'll find fresh young winter squash, sweet pumpkins perfect for baking into pies and an assortment of jams and jellies.

The celebration goes even further with activities for the little ones, craft tables, a chef demonstration and everyone's favourite... the petting zoo! Need I remind you of the piglet who graced the market back in spring?

Festival hours are 8am to noon. Local Churches and non-profits are invited to participate by hosting children's games or harvest crafts. Please contact the Friends of the BVFM for more details friends.bvfm@gmail.com

Yard Eggs: Happy Chickens and Healthy Eaters

Where: Brazos County Health Department Parking Lot, Northeast Corner of Texas and William J. Bryan
When: June 18th, 8:00am -Noon

Please join the Brazos Valley Farmers Market on Saturday, June 18th for our special Market to Menu event, located in Downtown Bryan in the Brazos County Health Department parking lot at the corner of Texas and William J. Bryan.

From 8am till noon, this Go Texan-sponsored program will feature a Messina Hof cooking demonstration focused on the use of local eggs and produce in a variety of seasonal dishes. There will also be several local gardening authors at the event, including Bill Adams, Pamela Walker, and Doug Welsh.

Bill Adams, author of the Texas Tomato Lovers Handbook, is a retired Harris County extension agent with thirty years’ experience at the AgriLife Extension Service. His writing and photography have appeared regularly in Gardens & More, Horticulture, Texas Gardener, Family Circle, Mother Earth News, Sunset, and other publications. He grows tomatoes at his home in Burton, Texas.

Pamela Walker, author of Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas, is a former academic librarian, college English teacher, and assistant director of the Center for the Study of Cultures at Rice University, who lives in Houston, Texas.

Doug Welsh, a Professor and Extension Horticulturist with the Texas Cooperative Extension The Texas Aamp;&M University System, is the author of the Texas Garden Almanac and the coordinator for the Texas Master Gardeners Program.

Come out and sample some great dishes prepared by the chefs from Messina Hof, meet some local gardening experts and support the farmers in your community!

While you're there, you can pick up one of these fantastic new bumper stickers, proceeds of which go to support the activities of the Friends.





Finally, we need some volunteers to help man the Friend's booth on Saturday mornings between 8am and noon. This is a great way to get involved and show your support for our local farmers. If you would like to donate some of your time to the Friends then please contact: friends.bvfm@gmail.com

Halloween Celebration 2010

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in today's BVFM Halloween Celebration. The kids seemed to have a wonderful time and, as always, you went out of your way to make the event a real blast!

A special thank you to everyone who donated to the raffles for the Friends of the Market booth. Here was the turnout, which raised $72 for the Friends group to help with future events and advertising our great market:

1. Salsa Basket (donated by Marge Beeler) - won by Silvia Tigerina
2. Pumpkin Cake (donated by Joe and Karen Jozwiak) - won by Linda Stearns
3. BVFM Calendar and T-shirt (donated by the Friends of the Market) - won by Donna Burton
4. Jam Basket (donated by Amy Decker) - won by Mike Jackson
5. Halloween Baby Blanket (donated by Helen Wise) - won by Jelinda Pepper
6. Wool Socks, Wooden Bookmark, and Bath Salts (donated by Jan Gerston, Stacie Grange, and Flor de Noche Soaps) - won by Heather Duchscher
7. GRAND PRIZE!!! A Variety of Produce, Baked Goods, Canned Goods, and Crafts (donated by the Jozwiaks, the Epps, David Elsik, Lita Riley, Tanya Miller, and the Burtons) - won by Mike Treglia

Thanks also to those helping with the Kids Booth - Rhonda Richardson created all the activities and brought crafts for the kids; and Tanya Miller supplied the "Green Pumpkins" that each kid got to take home with them.

It was another wonderful success this year. I hope everyone had fun!

Independence Day Celebration - 2010

What a wonderful morning to be at the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market this morning! The rain held off long enough for The Friends of the Market to host our Independence Day Celebration which included patriotic music, a raffle with great raffle prizes donated from our wonderful vendors, a kids booth so parents can shop while the kids play, and vendor booths decorated in red, white, and blue.

Raffle prizes included:

1. Grand Prize winner Helen Wise - BVFM t-shirt, banana bread, kitchen timer, salsa, and veggies donated by Marge Beeler, Helen Wise, Roger and Donna Burton, and FBVFM
2. Patriotic quilt winner Tanya Miller - donated by Helen Wise
3. Basket of Peaches winner Alan Pepper - donated by Alicia Redden
4. Jam Assortment with Dried Apples winner Hollie Woodward - donated by Amy Decker
5. Soaps and Salsa winner Sasha Kay - donated by Two Brothers Salsa and Flor de Noche
6. BVFM t-shirt winner Suzy - donated by FBVFM

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the raffle (both buying tickets and donating our wonderful prizes). Thank you also to Marge Beeler who donated the kids table, boom box, and music for the morning's festivities!

Happy 4th!

Market to Menu - 2010

What an amazing Saturday today was - our first funding from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Not only did we bring in the Village Downtown, our local/organic cafe, for cooking demonstrations and free omelet samples, but Pamela Walker, author of Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas was there, as were representatives from the TDA and TOFGA.

To make the day even more exciting, we revealed our very first BVFM t-shirts and sold 14 in the first day.

Truly, it was the best market ever. We continue to grow and expand, and it's obvious our customers just can't get enough. Thanks to everyone who supports and volunteers at our market!

Earth Day 2010

The rain held off and the Brazos Valley celebrated the 2010 Brazos Valley Earth Day celebration in Wolf Pen Creek from 11-4. The Friends of the BVFM hosted the farmers' market booth with the help of some of our dedicated volunteers: Tanya Miller, Jan Gerston, and David Duchscher. Thanks so much for donating your time and energy to be out there today!

Spring Event - Another GREAT Success!

Saturday's Spring Event was another GREAT success!

A great bit THANKS to all the vendors for their generosity in giving back to the Friends of the Market with their decorations, donations to the raffle and to the musicians, as well as for the children's' booth. We were able to raise $118, handed out about 75 packets of seeds to customers eager to try their hand at gardening, and entertained loads of little ones at the kids booth while their parents shopped.

Speaking of which, a special thanks to volunteers Jan Gerston, Nancy Burford, Hugh Stearns, and Tanya Miller for making the kids booth a fun time for all!

We had 6 happy winners for our 6 raffle prizes:

• Easter Cake (donated by Karen Jozwiak) was awarded to Marjorie Beeler
• Vegan Tshirt (donated by Thomas Liberty) was awarded to Chris Bachers
• Baby Quilt (donated by Helen Wise) was awarded to Betty Duncan
• Jam/Jelly Variety Basket (donated by Amy Decker) was awarded to Marjorie Beeler
• Easter Chives (donated by the Newmans) was awarded Meghan Boston
• Grand Prize Basket (donated by the Vaughns, the Burtons, Lisa Monson, Marge Beeler, and Barb Lorraine) was awarded to Virginia Koran

Congratulations to all our winners!

St. Patty's Day Celebration a Great Success

Another great big THANKS to everyone who participated in the St. Patty's Day Event. A couple vendors have told me it was our best event yet!

We had a steady lot of customers and had a lot of fun, not to mention raised $62 for the Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market. Thank you!

So many volunteers and vendors were generous with their time and donations to the raffle. Here's how things turned out:

Grand Prize Basket (donations by Tanya Miller, Mark and Terry Newman, Marjorie Beeler, David Elsik, Roger Burton, and Barbara Lorraine) - Virginia Koran, winner

St Patty's Day Cake (donated by Karen Jozwiak) - Roger Burton, winner

Tie Die T-shirt and Vegan shirt (donated by Sara of Wild Type Ranch and Thomas Liberty, local designer) - Amy Decker, winner

Spring Baby Blanket (donated by Helen Wise) - Hona Backstrom, winner

Irish Baby Blanket (donated by Helen Wise) - Leigh Anee Sheets

More coming soon on our next event: Spring Event (Saturday April 3, 2010).

Valentine's Celebration at the BVFM

What an amazing morning! With live music from "States," 6 raffles, decorated vendor booths with tasty treats, and a kids activity center, the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market was hopping this morning!

To add a little something extra special, the raffles (all donated from very generous vendors) raised $72 for the Brazos Valley Food Bank! A huge THANKS to everyone who donated goods towards the raffle. They included:

1. Bath and Body Product Basket - Amber Keown
2. Baked Goods and Teddy Bear Basket - Karen Jozwiak
3. Jellies and Jams Basket - Amy Decker
4. Market Basket w/ salsa, fudge, cupcakes, a plant, a soy candle, and magnets - Helen Wise, Donna and Roger Burton, Marjorie Beeler, James Kneip
5. Baby Quilt and Heart Ornaments - Helen Wise
6. Case of Tomatoes - Millican Produce

Of course, we had three wonderful volunteers to coordinate the morning. Thank you to volunteers Jan Gerston, Sonya Cooley, and our Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Burford!

Finally, I can't say enough about Janie Stein and Martin Bates, our talented musicians for the morning who drew the crowds and vendors in singing along. In town through May, we've asked them to return and play any Saturday they wish.

Stay tuned for more market celebrations in the months to come. Oh, and Happy Valentines Day!

Spring Volunteer Opportunities Announced

There are several opportunities to volunteer this spring for special events:

Valentines Celebration at the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market

Saturday, February 13 (8AM-Noon)

The FBVFM will be coordinating the Valentines event to include live music, a raffle for market gifts, and a kids activities table. Help is needed at the kids table as well as the info booth. Shifts are 8-10 (2 people needed) and 10-12 (2 people needed). Email Nancy to sign up.

Call+Response Movie Screening

A&M United Methodist Church

Friday, February 19th (7PM - ?)

A&M United Methodist has asked the BVFM to host a booth at the upoming screening of "Call+Response," a feature film regarding the slave trade and human trafficking. Fair Trade will be discussed (the tie in to food). The church felt people would be interested in a booth about the farmers' market to follow the screening. More information to come. Volunteer Tanya Miller has offerered to host our booth. I'd like to have one additional volunteer to help her. Email Nancy to sign up.

Messina Hof Birthday Bash

Sunday, March 10, 2010 (1:00-4:00)

Messina Hof has invited us back this year for the annual Birthday Bash. Setup will begin at noon in front of the facility. Vendors will sell out of their vehicles. Volunteers are needed to help setup, host the info booth, and help load up. Shifts are 11:30-2:00 (2 volunteers needed) and 2:00-4:30 (2 volunteers needed). Email Nancy to sign up.

Messina Hof Wine and Roses Festival

Saturday, April 24, 2010 (1:30-6:00)

Messina Hof has invited us back this year for the annual Wine and Roses Festival. Setup will begin as soon as vendors start to arrive from the regularly scheduled Saturday morning market in downtown Bryan. Volunteers are needed to help setup, host the info booth, and help load up. Shifts are from 1:30-4:00 (2 volunteers needed) and 4:00-6:30 (2 volunteers needed). Email Nancy to sign up.

Of course, you can always get the latest on our Upcoming Events page. With spring will surely come some gorgeous weather, so get on out there and show your support for the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market by volunteering today!

Holidays at the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market

The new year has begun, giving the Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market a much deserved rest after coordinating two holiday celebrations at the BVFM, December 12th and 19th. Included were live music, demonstrations by a local spinner, raffle prizes with proceeds going to the Brazos Valley Food Bank, and appearances by Old Saint Nick himself.

A big thank you to everyone who helped to make both events a great success. We raised $145 for the local food bank, gave away some wonderful prizes, and shared the holidays with our amazing community.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Household Hazardous Waste Event - November 2009

Last Saturday marked this year's second Household Hazardous Waste Event for Bryan-College Station and the Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market was asked to return with our recycling fliers.

Five wonderful volunteers attended the event distributing almost 2000 fliers to the community. A great big THANKS to Bob Moore, Debbie Miller, Jack Miller, Nancy Burford, and Holli Estridge for all your hard work on Saturday.

For more info on our "recycling" program, see our flier below...

Aggies Recycle - 2009 TAMU Recycle Fair

Today, Texas A&M hosted the 2009 Aggies Recycle Fair in Sbisa Plaza, and the Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market was there to spread the word about the market and about our recycling program (or more appropriately "reuse" program).

We handed out more than 200 fliers, and spoke individually with lots of students, staff, and faculty about our farmers' market and the benefits of eating local foods, many of which left our booth saying they'd see us on Saturday!

A big thank you to Liz Hughey for hosting the booth with me today. For more info on our recycle/reuse program, see our flier below...

October Art Step - Full Farmers' Market a Great Success

Friday night marked the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market second First Friday appearance. We set up in the St. Andrews Episcopal Church parking lot next to Mr. G's Pizza (across from Village Cafe on 26th Street) and there wasn't a better spot to be!

The market, which opened at 5PM, had a slow start, but before long, our 10 vendors were flooded with customers eager to buy local goodies. The Friends of the Market booth stayed busy as well, handing out fliers on our regular days, times, and locations.

A great big thanks not only to the vendors who came out, but to our dedicated "Friends" volunteers: Hugh Stearns, Tanya Miller, and Dave Duchscher. Thanks for making our market a wonderful success this First Friday!

Household Hazardous Waste Event

Ready with 1600 fliers about recycling at the market, the Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market greeted well over a thousand vehicles at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection event in College Station today.

It was a wonderful opportunity to spread the word about our local farmers' market and volunteers Nancy Burford, Sonya Cooley, David Duchscher, Harvey and Helen Wise, and Tanya Miller joined me at the event. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this possible.

We've been invited back next time, so be sure to mark your calendar for November 14 or check out the Hazardous Waste Disposal website for more information.

See you next time!

Local Woodturner Demonstration

"Friends" volunteer Helen Wise has been working hard over the past few months to arrange for local artisan displays. As a direct result, visitors to the Saturday's Brazos Valley Farmers' Market were treated to a wonderful display by local woodturner Stacie Grange.

To learn more about Stacie's work, visit her blog, Brazos Turnings.

There are many more events upcoming: a local blacksmith and live music. And if you know of anyone who would like to perform or demonstrate their craft at the farmers' market, just let us know.

Thanks Helen for making this happen!

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!