Punxsutawney Phil has spoken…Spring is coming early! Want a way to celebrate with your community? Look no further, we have just the event for you: A Farmer’s Market! This week we’ll show you how to host this event at your property… and make it sparkle!
There are so many different ways to pull off a Farmer’s Market, based on your budget and the personality of your community.
Option 1: Outsource
Yes, outsourcing is a more expensive option, but it‘s also the simplest. There are so many different mobile companies across the country that can take the hassle out of setup and shopping, so look into the offerings in your area to view potential opportunities!
Check out this option in D.C!
Arcadia Mobile Market
Check out this option in Texas!
Truckin’ Tomato: Mobile Farmers Market
Option 2: DIY
Yes, it’s more work, but you’re an event pro, which means YOU WERE BORN TO DO THIS. Begin by asking yourself a few questions.
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Are you going to charge for the produce, or offer it for free? (If you charge, maybe you could donate the proceeds to a local food pantry.)
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Are there local vendors you can partner with? In addition to offering actual produce, you can spotlight local vendors selling homemade goods, jams, or even fresh flowers.
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What else can you do to add extra “oomph?” Consider partnering with a local food truck to offer organic smoothies, or create a DIY yogurt bar featuring some of the same produce you’re selling.
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Consider offering free recipes or a cooking presentation to spotlight ways to use these fresh ingredients. Brand your recipe cards with your community’s logo.
Once you’ve got your plan in place, it’s time to shop! Things to keep in mind:
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Be sure to choose both staples (things we all eat) and fun, new options to help your residents expand their horizons. Here is a great resource to learn which items are in season.
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Use color to your advantage! Pick produce that matches your color scheme and is pretty to look at. Also consider what will keep well outside.
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Don’t forget the herbs! Rosemary can look beautiful tied together with twine (it also makes beautiful - and inexpensive - floral arrangements). Basil, on the other hand, will probably wilt if it sits out too long.
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Consider other non-produce items to enhance the fun (and to make your display even prettier). Jams, local honey, and fresh bread can bring color and diversity to your table spread. If possible, offer free samples / tastings as part of the experience.
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Don’t forget the to-go container. You can “go green” by asking your residents to bring their own reusable bags (have extras on hand for those who forget), or offer brown paper bags (add a stamp to give it a farm-fresh feel). This is another great place to partner with a vendor, who might be willing to provide you with logoed bags for your residents.
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Now we get to the fun part: displays! The way you set up your market will be the deciding factor for attraction and success. You don’t want to skimp on making your event sparkle. Baskets are a great place to start; we’ve got some great options linked below.
Punxsutawney Phil has spoken…Spring is coming early! Want a way to celebrate with your community? Look no further, we have just the event for you: A Farmer’s Market! This week we’ll show you how to host this event at your property… and make it sparkle!
What will take your event to the next level? Decor! Check out some of the cute ideas that will elevate your setup below:
You’ve got all you need for a killer event, want to take it for the extra mile? Bonus points for hiring a nutritionist, including a cooking demonstration, or even bringing in someone to discuss how you could plant your own produce! We sure love that extra flair here at Apartment Life.
Now, we’re almost done…all that’s left is to add your items, bring on the people, and step back to admire all your hard work! You tackled a big event, and we are so proud of you! Tag @aptlife on Instagram to share your ideas so we can be a part of your big win!