The Gardeners' Market in Cache Valley has been going on for as long as I can remember. But this year is the first time I didn't just drive by. I wanted to experience the cultural event first hand and learn about the community's summer weekly event, but it was nothing I expected it would be.
Something I didn’t expect from the Gardeners' Market in Cache Valley was more craft booths than produce. But as my wife, daughter, and I explored the local vendors' goods, we came to find good, wholesome, natural items being sold by everyone who participated. From spinning wool into beautiful, fluffy scarves, to homemade, sugar-free jam, natural honey, flower stands, gluten and dairy free mixes, and quilts made in the old fashioned tying style, the Gardeners' Market is a one-stop shop for those looking for local, natural goods.
Something I didn’t expect from the Gardeners' Market in Cache Valley was more craft booths than produce. But as my wife, daughter, and I explored the local vendors' goods, we came to find good, wholesome, natural items being sold by everyone who participated. From spinning wool into beautiful, fluffy scarves, to homemade, sugar-free jam, natural honey, flower stands, gluten and dairy free mixes, and quilts made in the old fashioned tying style, the Gardeners' Market is a one-stop shop for those looking for local, natural goods.
Going blindly into my first garden market was a bit overwhelming and, at first, a bit disappointing not seeing as many produce stands. But as the morning wore on, I found myself enjoying the music, sights, and smells that awaited me around every corner. The smells of love grown flowers, fresh, natural honey, rosemary, mint, and cherries; the sights of beautiful quilts, masterfully crafted wooden cutting boards, rolling pins, and chess boards; all narrated by acoustic guitars and country vocalists made for a great atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy Saturday together.
We ended up buying products from three booths which I will highlight and post pictures of below. The first booth we stopped by was a local jam maker. Jams that were for sale were sugarless or small amounts of sugar added, locally grown berries and fruits used (except for the fruit that is only found in certain climates), and free samples were provided. I did ask the seller if they were the ones who make the jam and only one of the two participated in the production process. The actual producer was ill but does usually attend the market.
After visiting the Gardeners' Market I decided to learn more about the specific rules and regulations about the weekly gathering from their website. Their mission statement reflects values I would expect a local event such as this to have. They sell "fresh and local" produce, artisan foods, and crafts. The ways they work to follow their mission statement are: fostering "commercial and educational relationships between our vendors and city-dwellers"; serving "as a small business incubator for local Small family Farms, artisan food producers, and craft artisans"; and by enhancing "the region's quality of life by encouraging environmentally sound agriculture and access to local, healthier foods." Looking around at each boot, and speaking with a few vendors, I truly believe these ideals are met and maintained by all those who participate. I will definitely visit again. Being able to have food and events this close to home that have our community's well being in mind is refreshing. This event has not only changed my culture and my family's, but the community's as well. I am grateful I had the opportunity to go and learn about what Cache Valley has to offer.
We ended up buying products from three booths which I will highlight and post pictures of below. The first booth we stopped by was a local jam maker. Jams that were for sale were sugarless or small amounts of sugar added, locally grown berries and fruits used (except for the fruit that is only found in certain climates), and free samples were provided. I did ask the seller if they were the ones who make the jam and only one of the two participated in the production process. The actual producer was ill but does usually attend the market.
Butcher's Bunches Raspberry Jam
The next booth we purchased goods from was Vivian's Live Again products. Local entrepreneur, Vivian, has found her niche in the gluten free and dairy free market by making muffin mixes, soup, dip, gravy, and pudding mixes for those with gluten and lactose intolerances. What is even more awesome about her products is she was able to get Lee's Marketplace to sell her goods as well.
Vivian and Daughter
Vivian's Live Again Products
The last booth we visited was a quilting and craft booth. Quilts always catch my eye because my grandmother used to make quilts. I surely admire the work that goes into quilts; they are masterpieces. 
Tammy Macdonald
Tammy also makes animal-themed purses, stuffed animals, and rice bags. 
Though her goods may not be food themed, she and her husband are currently raising goats. Tammy also uses her own herbs in her rice bags. The bag pictured above has homegrown spearmint.
After visiting the Gardeners' Market I decided to learn more about the specific rules and regulations about the weekly gathering from their website. Their mission statement reflects values I would expect a local event such as this to have. They sell "fresh and local" produce, artisan foods, and crafts. The ways they work to follow their mission statement are: fostering "commercial and educational relationships between our vendors and city-dwellers"; serving "as a small business incubator for local Small family Farms, artisan food producers, and craft artisans"; and by enhancing "the region's quality of life by encouraging environmentally sound agriculture and access to local, healthier foods." Looking around at each boot, and speaking with a few vendors, I truly believe these ideals are met and maintained by all those who participate. I will definitely visit again. Being able to have food and events this close to home that have our community's well being in mind is refreshing. This event has not only changed my culture and my family's, but the community's as well. I am grateful I had the opportunity to go and learn about what Cache Valley has to offer.
http://gardenersmarket.org/
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