The anticipation and excitement was high for the launching of Quarterfield Markets. It was the first indoor farmer’s market in the area with 42 vendors and 8 outdoor vendors making its grand debut on April 5. The plan was to be open 6 days a week matching the hours of Hertzler Farm and Feed. We had worked hard rennovating an existing room at the farm supply store creating a welcoming and unique vendor space.
We painted yellow shelving black, created new shelving using pipe and boards, reoiled pine board floors, and found creative ways to repurpose and give new life to shelving and items we had around the store and farm. It was a lovely inviting space.
The dynamite team-the shakers and bakers-behind the market. The market was the vision and dream of our daughter Jill Hostetter (on right) and granddaughter Lauren Hertzler (on left) quickly caught the vision.
Our team of vendors was exceptional and chosen with care. All products had to be homemade, handmade, hand produced/crafted or created. Each vendor had their own designed space with a centralize checkout station. They fully embraced our concept and were so excited to promote and be a part of our grand adventure.
The overall view of the main market space.The food area we called “The Pantry”.Lamb, beef, poultry, and pork.
The day of the launch was gorgeous and over a 1000 people came to enjoy the day and shop.
Instead of shopping carts, we had shopping baskets.
There were food trucks and a barnyard with chicks, a bunny, sheep, a goat family and a trio of baby pigs.
“Too Dippin’ Good”, a dessert food vendor.Archer’s BBQ: The best barbecue in town!Beverage Vendor: “Sippin’ Spot”Outdoor Pop Up VendorsYou can drop your knives, clipper blades, scissors, almost anything that needs a sharp edge at the store and he will pick them up and sharpen them.Our Transportation Manager: Obe Hostetter
Exactly one week later the market laid in ruins, burned to ashes.
On Wednesday evening we invited the vendors to a meeting on our front lawn and also to give them opportunity to see the devastation first hand. The mandate was clear. We would rise again and rise quickly. The date was set for one month, an almost unseemingly possiblity, with a tent market. Ideas were tossed around and the vendors pledged their support and help.
A new adventure is coming to reality for our family, Hertzler Farm and Feed and the community of Powhatan with the soon to open Quarterfield Markets.
Quarterfield Markets is the vision and motivation of the next generations of Hertzlers to offer a new opportunity for Powhatan and perserve the future of Hertzler Farm. It will be an indoor, year-around farmer’s market operating in conjunction with Hertzler Farm and Feed.
Our Vision: Quarterfield Markets offers a collective of shops, creating opportunities for local producers and artisans to promote locally grown, raised, produced and sourced items. The Markets will give an authentic farm experience for families, support local business and develop a support system for a collective of local vendors.
We have an amazing line-up of local vendors selling their homemade, homegrown, handcrafted wares: coffee, sourdough breads, treats and yeast breads, free-range eggs, grass-fed beef, poultry, and pork, bagels, pasteurized milk (packaged for animal consumption), cheese, butter, elderberry syrup, honey, candies, baked goods, elderberry syrup, muffins, cupcakes, freeze-dried fruits and candies, homemade barbecue sauce, cream cheese, duck eggs, baskets, herbal supplements for cats, dogs and pet pigs, plants, cutting boards, charcuterie boards, vases, lavendar products, oregano and black seed oils, pretzels, vanilla, fresh flower arrangements, 3D printed toys and fidgets, graphic tees, candles, pottery, soaps, candles, skin care products, pet treats, dog collars, leashes, bandanas and harnesses, blacksmith items and metal art, reusable cloth towels, swiffer covers and bar dishwashing soap, body oils and lotions, dried flower items, flower confetti, luffa sponges and soaps, eucalyptus oil and body scrub, pine oil and cleaner and on-site knife sharpening while you wait……and more.
We have been busy as spring bees getting ready for our grand opening Saturday, April 5.
Opening day, Saturday, April 5, we will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with most of our vendors on site. Normally, our hours will be as follows: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
Where is the market located?
The market is in an adjoining room inside the Hertzler Farm and Feed store. This provides the opportunity for the market to be open whenever the feed store is open versus a 3-4 hour window of summer farmer’s markets.
Opening Day:
We are excited for opening launch day. There will be an outdoor “barnyard” with some animals for the children to pet and love on.
There will be several food vendors: Too Dippin’ Good (desserts), Sippin’ Spot (Drinks), and Archers Barbecue (Pork and chicken).
Popup vendors (outside):
Stay Sharp: Bring your knives, hoes, farm tools, scissors….anything that needs sharpening. He will sharpen while you wait or have them available for you the following week. He will be providing a weekly pickup service.
Blacksmith demonstration.
Stone ground cornmeal grinding: Freshly ground cornmeal (on site) will be available.
Tales of Joy: Gail Timberlake will be selling and signing her book “Two Cows and a Plow”.
As the season progresses, we are hoping to have produce vendors on Saturdays.
We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the local community and the faithfulness of God as we prepare to launch this new adventure. Come see us and shop local!
I am a country gal who enjoys writing, gardening, baking and my family. My husband and I own a retail feed store and it keeps us active and busy. We love living in the country and on our beef farm. We retail natural, Angus, dry-aged beef in our store and a local "natural" store.
My writings, called "From A Grandma's Perspective" are mostly inspired from our five delightful grandchildren. These along with "Life Perspective" can read on our web page at www.hffinc.com under the "Who We Are" tab.
By the way, I love hearing from people who read my blog!!!
