Let the Music Play at the Carmel Farmers Market
July 2020
In case you missed it, the Carmel Farmers Market brought the music back to the market on July 4, and along with the entertainment component, the market reintroduced a key ingredient to the recipe that makes the market more than just a shopping experience.
It’s More Than Just About the Shopping
While it’s important to support the Indiana purveyors and growers that participate in the market every Saturday, it is equally important for the market goers to experience a sense of community that inherently comes with attending CFM every Saturday at Carter Green. With the current pandemic in play, it has been a challenge, to say the least, for any organization to create a sense of normalcy and tradition without major pivoting and reinvention. The dedicated CFM volunteers have put in over 580.25 volunteer hours at the market, planning, implementing and physically working at the market since May 2.
CFM President Ron Carter said, “The [CFM] volunteers have been preparing for the market through meetings and working the market to ensure that we have the best and safest [farmers] market going. From the standpoint of wanting to provide some semblance of tradition, we think we came close—in some measure—to replicating some of the poignant features of the Fourth of July, even though it was on a restricted scale.”
Since the summer market season began on May 2, CFM’s attendance has increased weekly as people have become more comfortable with exploring the market with its “physical” distancing protocols in place. The level of care and consideration for vendors, volunteers and visitors should be commended.
“All of the amenities that we have tried to provide at the market, such as music, help set the experience at the market and are what make CFM distinct from shopping at a supermarket,” Carter said. “Unlike a supermarket, families and individuals can experience the outdoors, a festive atmosphere with music, a place to sit down and be comfortable and see their neighbors and friends. It’s these amenities that makes CFM a much more pleasant shopping experience and, even more than that, a life experience.”
For a complete list of vendors and to sign up for the Carmel Farmers Market weekly newsletter, visit carmelfarmersmarket.com.
Who’s On Deck?
Be sure to check out the live entertainers at the Carmel Farmers Market every Saturday!
AUGUST 1, 2020
Kenny Kip
Caribbean music.
AUGUST 8, 2020
Blair Clark
Take a little pop, throw in some R&B, mix it with some soul and add a touch of jazz. and the result is the electrifying sounds of Blair Clark.
AUGUST 15, 2020
Island Breeze
Two steel drums, keyboard, guitar, Island hand percussion and great vocals make this band unique.
AUGUST 22, 2020
Acoustic Catfish
Acoustic Catfish have been entertaining with Americana, blues, rock and alt-folk since 2000.
AUGUST 29, 2020
Blackberry Jam the Folk Band
Eclectic music ranging in style from bluegrass and Celtic to Cajun and cowboy songs.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Witch Hazel Valley People
American Roots and Western Swing music. You’re bound to sing, clap your hands and go to cuttin’ the rug!
SEPTEMBER 12, 2020
Austin Johnson
Austin Johnson is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer and entertainer who can be seen performing frequently in the Indianapolis area.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2020
Katherine Nagy
Her songs are sincere and often reflect on love, life, pursuing dreams and finding hope.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2020
Acoustic Catfish
Acoustic Catfish have been entertaining with Americana, blues, rock and alt-folk since 2000.
Writer:
Janelle Morrison
Photography:
Courtesy of Carmel Farmers Market and Jennifer Hershberger