11/03/2025
Hello everyone! Sorry for the late post... things have been super busy for me and Kayla!
First, we at FARM would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone, both customers and vendors, for sticking with us this year! It was a huge struggle moving from the park to the green, then to the lower ELC parking lot.
We also want to acknowledge that all of us understand that finances are tight for everyone, and that has had a major impact on customer turnout. We also acknowledge that when low customer turnout occurs, some of our vendors can't afford to visit our market and must be at other, larger locations to make a living. This, in turn, makes it seem as though we have few vendors, creating a vicious spiral. We UNDERSTAND! We are hoping, however, that you all also understand that showing up for the market ensures that vendors keep coming back and making a difference between us not being open and being able to have a market.
Secondly, many of you have contacted me regarding FARM Waterloo, now Waterloo WI Market. YES, I was dismissed as market manager just over a week ago. YES, it was a complete surprise to me, and NO, I was not prepared for that. The responsibility for managing the market and vendors was transferred to an individual with whom I have experienced challenges in our working relationship. There have been instances where our collaboration has been difficult, and there were some tensions and issues that should have been addressed prior to this happening.
The biggest benefit for FARM out of this issue is that it has GAURANTEED FARM will be open next year. While the new manager has moved the day of the Waterloo market to ALSO be Sunday mornings, our vendors will still be at FARM, and are proud to continue for year 5, serving Marshall and the surrounding communities.
We will be back stronger than ever! Our hours will remain the same from 10 to 2, which allows those who worship on Sundays or prefer to sleep in late to attend the market. We are not sure yet where we will be, either back at Fireman's Park or Downtown in Marshall at the Community Parking lot. I will be working with the Village to see what the best solution will be going forward.
Finally, we can't wait to see all of you on December 7th at Fireman's Park for our 4th Annual Christmas with FARM and our 2nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Come see Santa (I'm still convinced he's the real deal!), a wide variety of Vendors to get some amazing gifts from, pick out a Christmas tree, see our local High School Jazz Band and Show Choir as they bring an air of Charles Dickens to life with their amazing voices and outfits! Come put an ornament on the tree and (fingers crossed!) participate in our Snowman building contest, gingerbread house contest, and see if YOU get picked to push the button to light up the tree!
With many hugs, blessings, and prayers for a safe and healthy rest of the year,
Becky, Kayla and all of the FARMily 🥰
