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Indiana Small Business Development Center
"Attracting Customers Like Crazy"
presented by Debbie Allen
November 8, 2005
7:30 to 11:30 AM
(continental breakfast available)
$25.00 pre-paid $30 at door
Reservation Required
Seminar held at the SBDC office
at 401 E. Colfax Ave. Suite 120
in the Commerce Center, South Bend
Call 574-282-4350 x 0 to RSVP
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The Farmers' Market
"Build it and they will come" . . . They did!
The tents are folded and the G & G parking lot is naked and quiet once again. That wasn't the case for 22 Saturday mornings since June 4, 2005.
A small group committed to opening a farmers' market in Plymouth ìbuilt itî and they came - by the hundreds. They came in wheelchairs and walkers, on bikes and motorcycles, by foot and in cars!
The group began meeting last January and those seeds grew into a highly successful Plymouth Farmers' Market - and a Plymouth destination. There were decisions on rules, where to have it, who would manage it and, most importantly, how to fulfill and maintain the mission of 'A Healthy Community through Fresh Locally Grown Food.' Help came from the City of Plymouth as well as Carl Stockberger who filled the gaping holes in the lot and Josh Wakeland of IE Signs who donated signage. On opening day, Helen Glaub never hesitated to agree to the use of the G & G parking lot. 'Chuck would have loved this,' she said as she cut the ribbon. She was, of course, referring to the former Mayor, Charles O. Glaub, her husband. WTCA sent Tony Ross to do a live remote - free. The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored and backed the venture all the way.
Early on, not knowing what to expect, there were hopes for as many as ten vendors. Those with great faith in this venture were not surprised, when each week, the Chamber staff, who fielded calls from potential vendors, added to the growing list. 'First Saturday' was instituted as a draw. Shoppers listened to Jim Vinall's music as they interacted with clowns, greyhounds, alpacas and a juggler. Children had their faces painted and participated in a variety of contests - watermelon seed spitting, corn shucking and shelling and pumpkin painting. The 'Balloon Man' created helium-filled wonders and the VFW's '40 + 8' attracted the curious.
And they came. Vendors came and went based on available produce. Many never left but changed offerings. Bouquets of cut gladiolas became summer sunflowers and then cockscomb. Mounds of zucchini, cucumbers and lettuce early on went away to be replaced by offerings of gourds, apples, a variety of squash and pumpkins when the market closed October 29.
Some Saturdays, there were as many as 30 vendors. The weather guru was kind most days. Two mornings of rain with some hot, humid summer days and still they came and the Market did become the hoped for destination place- the launching place for visitors to explore other Plymouth shops. For many, it was an opportunity to simply sit on the bench in the shade of the historic tree and visit with friends over a cup of coffee. They came, they stayed and they shopped.
Opening day for 2006 hasn't been determined but the footprint's been made -and they will come - again.
Mr & Mrs. Santa Claus Return Visit to Plymouth
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be back in Plymouth this November and December. Their visit last year was so well received and put such joy in their wonderful elfin hearts, that they quickly responded to our invitation to again open our community's holiday season with our annual Christmas tree lighting celebration.
This year the annual Christmas tree lighting will take place Friday, November 25th. Girls and boys of all ages will again line Michigan Street in anticipation of Santa's arrival. The Marshall County Sheriff's Reserve have been invited to lead the Plymouth Fire Truck from Adams Street to the corner of LaPorte and Michigan Streets. The Plymouth Fire Truck will carry Mr. and Mrs. Claus, dropping them off to participate in the community's traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. There will be holiday music and song with inspirational words ringing through the air sending human hearts souring creating a joyful spirit to the festivities. Mayor Cook will engage the switch that will bring full color to the city's Christmas tree. The evening will be completed with the walk back to the Plymouth Fire Station for hot chocolate, cookies and a visit with Old Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus.
Mark your calendar for Plymouth's traditional event to welcome in the Holiday Season: Friday, November 25th at 6:00 PM.
P.S. Santa and Mrs. Claus have promised to visit again in December - the dates are December 10 and 17. More details will follow in the December NewsMonth.
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