Homemade keys success of farmer's market

COLUMBUS - This year's farmer's market has brought some new faces and new local offerings.

Items such as deacon's benches, kiddy rockers, exotic vinegars and diaper cakes (non-edible) are new to the Columbus Farmer's Market in Frankfort Square, which has been in Columbus for about 30 years. It will be open from 7:30 a.m.-noon every Saturday through Oct. 20.

Gene Springer, a teacher from Osceola, brought his wooden crafts and furniture to Columbus Saturday for the first time and was pleased with the experience.

The reason for the change in venue, Springer said, was because of the Nebraska State Fair and the Nebraska football home opener, so the farmer's market in Lincoln was not being held.

Springer, who has done woodworking for nearly 12 years, said he usually shows and sells his pieces in Lincoln during the farmer's market at the Haymarket, and although the Columbus market was smaller, it has tremendous variety.

“There is a lot of variety,” Springer said. “People here have more variety than the people in the Haymarket” in Lincoln,” she said, and would consider returning.

Joyce Huston, owner of KJ Farms, said this was her first full year as a vendor at the Columbus Farmer's Market and enjoyed the company of patrons and vendors alike.

Huston said she also sold items in the York and Central City farmer's markets and loves the opportunity to sell the homemade goods, from canned items to a wide variety of produce, including swan gourds.

“I have always gardened and canned all my life,” she said. “This is a way I could do something I enjoy and make a living at it” and supplement the farm income.

Becky Cheloha, who helps coordinate the weekly market, said 20-25 vendors are available each week and although this week may be considered slower it will soon turn around.

“It is slowing down because of the produce,” Cheloha said, but “the fall produce is coming in abundance.”

Shirley Enquist of Monroe offers her “diaper cakes” no matter what season it is.

The diaper cakes make great baby gifts and can consist of diapers, rattles, baby outfits, plush animals and other items, Enquist said.

“I started making them four to five years ago as gifts for people,” she said, but this is the first year she has offered them at the farmer's market.

It is a more decorative way of giving such gifts, Enquist said.

Gary Seeger of Columbus has sold items at the farmer's market for years, but has expanded his selection this year by offering homemade “exotic” vinegars and powder drink mixes.

Although he takes pride in people enjoying his products, he has more fun interacting with his customers.

“It is good food for good people,” Seeger said, and I like “meeting the people and talking about the good old days when everybody made their own.”

People interested in selling at the market can call Barbie Cheloha at 910-6488.