Upper Pack Market Maiden Run

https://www.upperpackmarket.com/

What a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning in June!

Out here in Samuels, north of town and not far from Selle, we have a new market.

It's called the Upper Pack Farm and Art Market, and I'd say opening day yesterday had to be a success for both vendors and visitors. 

When I saw a news item announcing the market's opening in the morning, my immediate reaction was "I've gotta do that." 

So, I did.

And, even though opening day featured just five attractively organized booths, I came away impressed with the offerings, the friendly people running the booths and with several tidbits of new knowledge. 

I learned from the organizers that the market had been in the plans over the winter.

Then, the Covid Pandemic changed some plans.  As with most of us, changes in the best-laid plans have led to a that other aphorism about Necessity and Mothers Inventing.

Well, the group started selling items online and then planned how they could best start the outdoor market.

If yesterday was any indication, their new plans are definitely well laid. 

You can learn more specifics and a bit more about the vendors by visiting the website, which appears to be evolving. 

As for me, I had a delightful time visiting with and getting acquainted each of the vendors ('cept for Kelly, whom I already knew).  

I also brought home some thyme and calendula as well as a firm desire to visit the new market again in two weeks. 

Jeffrey Gardner and his mom with their booth.

Jeffrey is in charge of the Upper Pack River Market website.

Group members have been selling their offerings online.

Mom says those duck eggs are great for baking. 

Coasters, mitts and hats, crafted by Barbara Nunke. 

Mike and Barbara Nunke.

The more we talked the more we learned about what we have in common.

Plus, we learned one commonality is my husband. 

Bill visited their place a few years ago and gave them advice about their trees. 

Alan Mikoleit, a former engineer, crafts dulcimers and harps.

"No strings attached," he punned, while sitting down to this harp and explaining modifications designed to make playing the instrument easier.

Multipurpose wagon and a pretty one too.

Melissa, who moved to Rapid Lightning Creek recently, brought along her daughters and this attractive wagon.

Plants and kids did just fine while Mom shopped and asked questions. 

The nicely manicured green just south of Samuels Store provides an attractive and very visible  spot for the Upper Pack River Market.

Lots of room for walking and parking.

The market will run on first and third Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the summer.

I'm betting the offerings will continue to grow.  

Co-organizer Molly Cochell.

She's originally from Boise. 

Molly and hubby Ted feature a variety of items, including an amazing herb collection, garden markers and Ted's metal art. 

Co-organizer Barbara Nunke.

Barbara and her husband Mike owned a farm in Minnesota. 

They also managed an arts-related nonprofit.

They've owned land in Upper Pack River for 18 years and eventually settled there. 

 Kelly Gardner Whitman talks with a customer at her booth featuring soaps with creative looks and nice aromas.

Twas nice to visit with Kelly, a former student. 

Her sister Carrie, also a former student, is a familiar face around town, selling those beautiful bars of soap and candles.  

Alan Mikoleit listens as a customer tells him about some wood he may have available for Mikoleit to craft his instruments. 

I needed a topper for my new planting tower (and yes, the chard is rebounding from being transplanted on Friday).

A nice speciman of Calendula from Molly Cochell's booth seemed perfect. 

Plus, Molly, who appears to be very well versed on herbs, gave me some suggestions, including removing petals from time to time and scattering them over a salad as a decorative touch.

Good Luck to the Upper Pack folks.

I think you've come up with a winning combination of talent, people and location, location, location!

Happy Sunday.