To the many supports of the 17th Street Farmers' Market:
Many comments have been made regarding a recent article written by Deveron Timberlake and published by Style Weekly entitled "Pie Eyed In South Side". Though the statement was brief, the damage was done to our historic market. With this, a major outpouring of support reached the publishers of Style Weekly and several of these statements have been published in the "Letters To The Editor" section.
On behalf of the Richmond Farmers' Market Advancement Association, and Shockoe Bottom community, I would like to thank all the customers, vendors, and community marketplaces that have stood up for the 17th Street Farmers' Market. The display of support has shown the City of Richmond the 17th Street Market is truly cherished and considered a part of the team of community markets in the Metro area.
With your continued support, the 17th Street Farmers' Market is again becoming a true focal point of the community. Please visit the market often and watch us grow!
Warmest Regards,
Scott Sibley
Chairman
RFMAA
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Gone to the Birds
Make it a day at the Market! Following the events of the Shockoe Chef Showdown, the City of Richmond's 17th Street Farmers' Market is going to the birds! Flock to the Market to witness a very rare urban phenomenon as 10,000 Purple Martins roost at sunset!
A Purple Martini, anyone? Local participating restaurants will have drink & dinner specials, plus there will be FREE PURPLE ICE CREAM and on-site information available about the birds that call Shockoe Bottom their home for one month each summer.
Sponsored by: The 17th Street Farmers' Market, Shockoe Bottom Merchant's Association, City of Richmond
Special thanks to the many volunteers and bird enthusiasts, The Purple Martin Conservation Association, and Nicely Bros. Ice Cream Distribution Co.
Shockoe Chef Showdown - a call to backyard growers
Got a garden that's overflowing with fruits and veggies? Have a ton of tomatoes, a colossal crop of cukes, a mound of melons? Wondering how you'll ever eat it all?
Sell them this Saturday at the 17th St Farmers Market during the Shockoe Chef Showdown. Booths are inexpensive, coming complete with cover and risers to display your wares, and no season-long commitment. You don't need to be licensed or inspected by any government office to sell produce at the farmers market. Just call or email Linette at 646-0377.
Be there to witness Richmond's inaugural culinary competition, with more than a dozen local chefs ready to battle for gustational domination!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Who's up for a challenge?
What do these items mean to you? I want to know.
Shockoe Bottom. River District. Buy Local. 17th Street Farmers Market.
Are you a leader or a follower? Are you willing to stand up to protect a gem that has been slandered by the public voice for many seasons? Are you willing to protect this asset which sets itself apart from any other market in the community purely because of its style and history?
It takes a very strong person to be a leader and an even stronger person to stand up when they are the only one on their feet. Are you a leader? A leader will not be foiled by those who do not stand with them. A follower will let "everyone else" do the talking.
We are leaders and dare anyone to cross us in the goal of getting positive attention to the 17th Street Farmers Market. This is our market. This is Shockoe Bottoms market. This is YOUR market. Stand up with me to protect it or sit down and stay quiet.
What do you like about this market? One thing? One hundred things? What makes you want to come to the 17th Street Farmers Market it Shockoe Bottom?
Tell me.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
Shockoe Bottom. River District. Buy Local. 17th Street Farmers Market.
Are you a leader or a follower? Are you willing to stand up to protect a gem that has been slandered by the public voice for many seasons? Are you willing to protect this asset which sets itself apart from any other market in the community purely because of its style and history?
It takes a very strong person to be a leader and an even stronger person to stand up when they are the only one on their feet. Are you a leader? A leader will not be foiled by those who do not stand with them. A follower will let "everyone else" do the talking.
We are leaders and dare anyone to cross us in the goal of getting positive attention to the 17th Street Farmers Market. This is our market. This is Shockoe Bottoms market. This is YOUR market. Stand up with me to protect it or sit down and stay quiet.
What do you like about this market? One thing? One hundred things? What makes you want to come to the 17th Street Farmers Market it Shockoe Bottom?
Tell me.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
The Style Weekly Saga
Hello Friends of the 17th Street Farmers Market!
This is an update to the saga caused by a recent article published in Style Weekly. In the July 2nd issue, Deveron Timberlake published an article "Pie Eyed in South Side". Though the article was a wonderful marketing tool for a local venue, the article also served the 17th Street Farmers Market with a greater negative public view. It came with one simple line.
"Every Saturday morning, the little farmers' market that could kicks the teeth out of the farmers' market that seems to dry up a little more each season in Shockoe Bottom."
That was the only statement the 17th Street Farmers Market received. Think of how you would feel being an average reader looking to find alocal market venue. How would you address the concern?
Below is the email thread beginning with the message I sent to the editor regarding the article and neighborhood response.
If you feel as strongly about this issue, and how no market should rely on demeaning articles to better their own business, then make your thoughts known! We all offer the public a great local resource and should support each others growth. There is no better time tostart that teamwork than right now.
Thank you for your time and I look forward your responses.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
------------------------------ORIGINAL EMAIL:Style Weekly:
In your current issue, Deveron Timberlake published a story regarding the growth of the Forest Hill Park farmers' market. The writers ability to create a scene for the reader is impressive and giving a spotlight to local vendors is a must to receive positive public response. Once readers see this article, they will surely want to visit the market, and even purchase a pie or two.
Though the story was enjoyable, the entry was a true "kick in theteeth" for the vendors, neighbors, businesses and associations tryingto make the 17th Street Farmers Market a success. For over a year, for example, the individuals which now form the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association, have worked to get positive publicity for themarket while pointing out the issues we face. Though we are not affiliated with the City, we pride ourselves on the oldest, most historic market in the state. Any time a negative article regardingthe 17th Street Market is published, it only furthers the negativeview the public has on this venue. We have many great vendors that arededicated to this market and would do anything to keep it alive. Further, we have just as many enthusiastic neighbors around this market who want to see it succeed. We also have the free parking, strollers and well mannered dogs which give this a community feeling. In short, publishing this article is directly attacking all ouractions to save the 17th Street market. Though we do know that Scott Bass is working on an article asking the important question on why this market is in the state it is in, we still need all the positiveinfluence the press can give.
With this said, we invite Deveron Timberlake to the 17th StreetFarmers Market to see all this venue has to offer. Maybe with a review as wonderful as was given to the Forest Hill market, we may be able toget more visitors. The more visitors we get the better this market will become, in turn giving you more to write about. Its a full circle that starts with a little positive press.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Scott Sibley,
Chairman
Richmond F.M.A.A.
---------------------------------------Message from Deveron Timberlake:
Dear Scott,
Thanks for your recent message to us at Style. I'm sorry you are disappointed in my recent column. Of course I'm not the only one with criticisms of the 17th street market -- many local blogs and former market customers and growers are full of them, sadly, and I know this is not news to anyone who follows the situation.
However, I do not mean to imply criticism of the vendors themselves,many of whom make great sacrifices to do their work and to find a willing market for their wares. I respect their efforts and enjoy the opportunity to highlight growers and artisans as a regular part of ournews coverage.
I have visited the 17th St. market numerous times over the past several years, in addition to farmers' markets in Charlottesville,Savannah, Charleston, New York, Seattle, Goochland, and other countries, and truly appreciate the variety of produce and merchandise that is offered and the value that these markets bring to their communities. It is exciting to see a movement take hold. Shoppers whoare fortunate enough to travel will also draw comparisons, and hope for similarly successful and vigorous markets in their home towns.
That said, I stand by my view, however painful, that the 17th St.market needs and deserves immediate attention to improve its appeal to consumers, particularly in an ever more competitive marketplace. Many downtown residents who could easily shop there have chosen instead to go south of the James, out to Brookview Farm, or even to Cville, and that indicates greater concerns, which I trust you and your committe eare working to address.
Feel free to let me know about changes that are taking place. I'm always glad to hear about, observe and report on developments in this area and will look forward to hearing details as you work toward an improved market in Shockoe.
Sincerely,
Deveron Timberlake
food & drink editor
Style Weekly
1313 E. Main St.Richmond, VA 23219
804.358.0825 ext.356
---------------------------------RESPONSE REGARDING THIS REVIEW:
Hello Deveron.
I respect your views on the 17th Street Market, however I am confident you failed to understand the issue at hand and cause for my initial contact. You do not have to belittle a market that has nothing to do with the story you are addressing. Your story was about the growth of a market and you addressed that very well. Your views were stressed on how great that market is and you should have stuck with it. Instead,with one line used as the entry you created a negative public view of a market you didn't even talk about.
This negative press is one of the things we are fighting against. If you do not see the cause for our concern then you may simply wish to write articles and not include your personal opinions. I'm truly sorry you do not see the hurt this article caused to my organization, the17th Street Farmers' Market and the businesses which work to protect the venue.
Thank you for your time.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
This is an update to the saga caused by a recent article published in Style Weekly. In the July 2nd issue, Deveron Timberlake published an article "Pie Eyed in South Side". Though the article was a wonderful marketing tool for a local venue, the article also served the 17th Street Farmers Market with a greater negative public view. It came with one simple line.
"Every Saturday morning, the little farmers' market that could kicks the teeth out of the farmers' market that seems to dry up a little more each season in Shockoe Bottom."
That was the only statement the 17th Street Farmers Market received. Think of how you would feel being an average reader looking to find alocal market venue. How would you address the concern?
Below is the email thread beginning with the message I sent to the editor regarding the article and neighborhood response.
If you feel as strongly about this issue, and how no market should rely on demeaning articles to better their own business, then make your thoughts known! We all offer the public a great local resource and should support each others growth. There is no better time tostart that teamwork than right now.
Thank you for your time and I look forward your responses.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
------------------------------ORIGINAL EMAIL:Style Weekly:
In your current issue, Deveron Timberlake published a story regarding the growth of the Forest Hill Park farmers' market. The writers ability to create a scene for the reader is impressive and giving a spotlight to local vendors is a must to receive positive public response. Once readers see this article, they will surely want to visit the market, and even purchase a pie or two.
Though the story was enjoyable, the entry was a true "kick in theteeth" for the vendors, neighbors, businesses and associations tryingto make the 17th Street Farmers Market a success. For over a year, for example, the individuals which now form the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association, have worked to get positive publicity for themarket while pointing out the issues we face. Though we are not affiliated with the City, we pride ourselves on the oldest, most historic market in the state. Any time a negative article regardingthe 17th Street Market is published, it only furthers the negativeview the public has on this venue. We have many great vendors that arededicated to this market and would do anything to keep it alive. Further, we have just as many enthusiastic neighbors around this market who want to see it succeed. We also have the free parking, strollers and well mannered dogs which give this a community feeling. In short, publishing this article is directly attacking all ouractions to save the 17th Street market. Though we do know that Scott Bass is working on an article asking the important question on why this market is in the state it is in, we still need all the positiveinfluence the press can give.
With this said, we invite Deveron Timberlake to the 17th StreetFarmers Market to see all this venue has to offer. Maybe with a review as wonderful as was given to the Forest Hill market, we may be able toget more visitors. The more visitors we get the better this market will become, in turn giving you more to write about. Its a full circle that starts with a little positive press.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Scott Sibley,
Chairman
Richmond F.M.A.A.
---------------------------------------Message from Deveron Timberlake:
Dear Scott,
Thanks for your recent message to us at Style. I'm sorry you are disappointed in my recent column. Of course I'm not the only one with criticisms of the 17th street market -- many local blogs and former market customers and growers are full of them, sadly, and I know this is not news to anyone who follows the situation.
However, I do not mean to imply criticism of the vendors themselves,many of whom make great sacrifices to do their work and to find a willing market for their wares. I respect their efforts and enjoy the opportunity to highlight growers and artisans as a regular part of ournews coverage.
I have visited the 17th St. market numerous times over the past several years, in addition to farmers' markets in Charlottesville,Savannah, Charleston, New York, Seattle, Goochland, and other countries, and truly appreciate the variety of produce and merchandise that is offered and the value that these markets bring to their communities. It is exciting to see a movement take hold. Shoppers whoare fortunate enough to travel will also draw comparisons, and hope for similarly successful and vigorous markets in their home towns.
That said, I stand by my view, however painful, that the 17th St.market needs and deserves immediate attention to improve its appeal to consumers, particularly in an ever more competitive marketplace. Many downtown residents who could easily shop there have chosen instead to go south of the James, out to Brookview Farm, or even to Cville, and that indicates greater concerns, which I trust you and your committe eare working to address.
Feel free to let me know about changes that are taking place. I'm always glad to hear about, observe and report on developments in this area and will look forward to hearing details as you work toward an improved market in Shockoe.
Sincerely,
Deveron Timberlake
food & drink editor
Style Weekly
1313 E. Main St.Richmond, VA 23219
804.358.0825 ext.356
---------------------------------RESPONSE REGARDING THIS REVIEW:
Hello Deveron.
I respect your views on the 17th Street Market, however I am confident you failed to understand the issue at hand and cause for my initial contact. You do not have to belittle a market that has nothing to do with the story you are addressing. Your story was about the growth of a market and you addressed that very well. Your views were stressed on how great that market is and you should have stuck with it. Instead,with one line used as the entry you created a negative public view of a market you didn't even talk about.
This negative press is one of the things we are fighting against. If you do not see the cause for our concern then you may simply wish to write articles and not include your personal opinions. I'm truly sorry you do not see the hurt this article caused to my organization, the17th Street Farmers' Market and the businesses which work to protect the venue.
Thank you for your time.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Allez cuisine, Richmond!
Calling all Culinary Masters! "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen..." and get down to the 17th Street Farmers' Market for the very first Shockoe Chef Showdown! So, you think you have what it takes to compete for title of Top Chef in Richmond's River District? Competition will be hot with judges and patrons taste-testing three different dish categories: Meat-based dish, Vegetarian-based dish, and Dessert - not to mention a Market Basket showdown where chefs will compete "Iron Chef"-style!EVENT INFORMATION
Event Time:
Shockoe Chef Showdown is from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Event Time:
Shockoe Chef Showdown is from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Check – In:
All participants must check-in by 9:00 a.m.
Booth Space:
Booth space is assigned on a first-come basis.
Samples:
Samples of your product are to be sold at $2.00 per serving to the public from 11:00 a.m. until the time of judging at 1:00 p.m. The 17th Street Farmers’ Market will provide bowls and silverware. After judging, participants may sell their product in bulk for a price at their discretion.
Chef Signature Dish Competition:
Awards for the Chef Signature Dish Competition will be given at 1:00 p.m.
Fresh Market Basket Competition:
Baskets for the Fresh Market Basket Competition will be provided at 2:00 p.m. Participants must submit their finished product by 3:00 p.m. Awards will be given at 3:30 p.m.
Contact Information:
Questions in regard to the Shockoe Chef Showdown may be directed to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market at 804.646.0477/804.646.0310 or the Department of Economic Development at 804.646.5633.
Health Permits:
All participants must obtain a temporary restaurant permit. The application for the permit is included in this packet and/or on our website (www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com) and should be submitted by July
17, 2008 to the Department of Economic Development, 501 East Franklin Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. The permit fee is $20.00 and checks should be written to Richmond City Health District. If you have already paid the permit fee this year, attach a copy of the receipt to your application. For further
questions in regard to the permit, contact Environmental Health at 804.646.3120.
REGISTRATION FORM
TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT
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