Fall Festival 2007
In October we held a Fall Festival open house at the Co-op, hopefully kicking off a yearly tradition in the community. Our first festival loosely marked the one year anniversary of our opening. After sending out a massive advertisement campaign, we really didn't know what to expect. But the turnout turned out to be tremendous, resulting in a resounding success.
Though the forecast had been slightly foreboding, the sun won out and gave us a delightfully cool day. Volunteers showed up early with tables, tents, pumpkins, serving utensils, and decorations - ready to go.
As soon as everything was set up, the music began. A solo guitar player strummed some tunes first, followed by a folk group jamming away on old-timey songs. A festive polka group closed out the musical performances in the afternoon.
A long table set up with store products and goodies ran down one side of the event, sporting crackers, chips, dip, bread, juice, and later local ice cream! On the grill were samples of local free-range grass-fed beef. Burgers, steak, and hot dogs were readily accepted by waiting crowds of omnivores. Soup from the store was hot on the stove, along with chilli. Hot cocoa, tea, and coffee were available a few steps away in the store.
At the end of the afternoon, we finished up the festival with our Fabulous Finger Food Finale. Each person brought a side-dish or snack made from products available in the Co-op.
It was the best day the Hilltown Market Co-op had in so many ways. Many new faces were able to discover our co-op and hopefully went home with the confidence that they don't have to drive thirty minutes to the nearest grocery store, especially when winter makes the road slick.
Local vendors got to come by, set up shop, and talk about their products, ranging from maple syrup to massage to local produce. New friends were made and neighbors got to spend time together in conversation. Sales for the day were tremendous, making our store manager smile.
And a whole bunch of folks got to pet the sheep at the portable petting zoo. Who could ask for more on a brisk autumn day?
Keep an ear out for our next festival in 2008. Thank you for your continuing support!
Hilltown
Hilltown
Hilltown
Hilltown
Market
Market
Market
Market
& Natural Food Co-op
& Natural Food Co-op
& Natural Food Co-op
& Natural Food Co-op
