It was an idea inspired by Barbara Kingsolver's book, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" and one whose time had come.
As mayor of Jackson, I contacted Michelle Grondin, the director of the Amador Farmers' Market, and set the wheels in motion to have the market come to Jackson. Michelle was cautious at first, maybe even resistant. But my enthusiasm for my own idea was bubbling out of me like so much effervescent water. Michelle caught my vision and we were off and running.
The idea was fairly simple. Place the market at the backside of the Busi Municipal Parking lot, with signs and balloons on the highway to attract attention. Spread the word. Partner with Mel and Faye's Diner to share a customer base. Collaborate with the Main Street Merchants' Association to draw folks over to our historic downtown as a part of the overall experience.
The city council embraced the idea, everyone eager to bring any kind of attraction to Jackson. It took only slightly more persuasion to convince the farmers. I was invited to attend one of their delicious meetings, and again, my enthusiasm seeped through the stonewalls of even the most dubious. Soon we had several marketers committed to come to Jackson.
We let the market choose its own day and time. "We'll work with whatever works for you," I told them. When they chose Sunday mornings, I whooped for joy thinking it an absolutely perfect market day in Jackson. When they told me they were ready to start on May 18 - that Jackson's market would be the first to open - I was delirious.
"I will make sure you have balloons at the highway," I told them, "if I have to bring them myself!"
The first Sunday morning, I headed out to market, bouquet of colored balloons in hand. I worried about the potential turnout.
"I'll buy something from each vendor," I committed, not wanting any farmer to go home without a sale.
Arriving at the Busi parking lot, I watched as people began streaming into the Amador Farmers' Market, even before the "doors were open." I wandered stall to stall, greeting other Jackson residents, reaching for the last batch of early rhubarb only to lose out to a tourist. (Michelle took pity on me and gave me a bunch she'd nabbed earlier.)
Happy exchanges were the norm and marketers wore satisfied smiles. A Dylan-like musician entertained us as Matt Andrae and staff served up wonderful pastries. I walked away with produce, plants, a bouquet of cut flowers and a bottle of Amador Olive Oil, among other things.
I saw people coming across the highway from Main Street and returning to Main Street from the market. Give it some time and the synergy will build! We're adding a shade pop-up on loan from the Historic Jackson Business Association and chairs donated by Hein & Co. We'll hand out information on upcoming Main Street events and the Jackson Walking Tour.
For "Madame Mayor," it was awesome to see the seed of an idea sprout into a garden of delight for Jackson's residents, visitors and our local growers. Visit the Amador Farmers' Market now through Oct. 5 right here in Jackson.
Rosalie Pryor Escamilla is the mayor of Jackson.