10/26/2026
Good morning!
Saturday was a simply beautiful Fall day, and a fine finish to our regular season. It was the final regular weekly market of our 2026, and after 13 years, the last weekly market of the Midland Community Farmers Market at its current location, before it reopens next spring at its new and bigger location, down the street at Solid Rock Church (6959 Warm Springs Road, across from Midland Academy and Midland Middle School.)
We ended up with 61 vendors there to greet nice crowds of visitors, who were undeterred by the road being closed down at the Mason's Lodge's for their 175th anniversary celebration. Our thanks to Soozie Linden and her family, who joined us for the first time, selling beautiful candles in china teacups, and the propagation vases they make from resin. It's always been nice to see new faces at our market, and we had at least one "newbie" every single week this year.
And it's been a great year. Over the 26 weeks of the season, we raised $21,162 from your vendor fees and donations (once again beating last year's record) and gave $20,987 (99.2%) to local charities (and that's not even counting the $5402 we raised at the Spring Fling Craft Market and donated for WNN's food bank.)
Just Friday, I sent $1000 to GiGi-'s Playhouse of the Chattahoochee Valley, to assist in their work offering educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. And yesterday, the last $387.39 went to the Midland Early Response Team, which is often the first on the scene after local families are impacted by tornadoes, fires, or (as just a couple weeks ago) the passage of a hurricane. Tarps, plywood, and chainsaw gas cost money, and we're glad to help out.
Of course, the big event of the year (which explains why I'm late getting this post done) is the Fall Festival Market this coming Saturday from 9:00 - 2:00. So far, we've raised more than $5200 for our friends at House of Heroes, who will use the money to help veterans, their widows, and first responders in need of home repairs. 110 vendors will be on hand with all the wonderful food, crafts, produce, and other great items you've come to expect from our market. Additionally, the church will have bounce castles, games, and other activities for kids and families, and both the market AND the church side will be offering an opportunity for TRICK OR TREATING! So put the kids in their costumes, and bring them over for the best Fall Festival in town!
But that's not the last Midland Community Farmers Market event of the year: December 5th from 9:00 - 2:00 will be our CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR, which will benefit Heart Toward Home, Ruth Chadwick's local ministry providing Christian love and support to the homeless, and to those who are transitioning away from homelessness. We're hoping to break $5000 for that one as well. I've already started contacting the vendors who will be allowed to pre-reserve, but signups for everyone else will open on our website (www.MidlandMarket.org) on Monday November 9th at 6:00 p.m. If you're interested in being a vendor, don't wait until that night to look through the spaces: go NOW and see what you like, so you'll be ready.
Still lots to do before this weekend, so I'll close now with my heartfelt thanks to all of you --our vendors, our visitors, and our supporters-- for a great 13th season. I'll see you Saturday!
With Warmest Regards, Larry
