The Dunwoody Green Market opened today, and there seemed to be very little green.  Very little green as in money changing hands and very little green as is vegetables.

In defense of what I saw as a sparse turnout, lots of families are out of town this week with most schools in recess for spring break, a time for students to recharge their internal battery in preparation for the CRCT testing. After CRCT testing is complete (and carefully "inspected" by a school official), it is all downhill for many school children since many classroom teachers focus solely on CRCT scores from day one of school.
SIDE NOTE:  My post on possible test altering at two local schools got only one comment while a suggestion to redistrict the area attracted 29 comments.
Back to the Green Market opening day - So the crowd seemed less than last year.  I spoke to a couple of vendors who all said sales were lower than expected.  I hope things pick up for the vendors.  I know what it's like to start a business from scratch.  I'm sure next week will be better for them.


I saw some of the same vendors from last year, and a few new folks.  I like to get my bread from Hardright Bakery. He has some pastries as well. 


Although I have a plot at the Dunwoody Community Garden, I'm not up to speed yet on what's in season. I do know the selection of fresh vegetables at the market was limited to carrots and some greens.  That will change as we move in to summer.


It seems the Dunwoody Green Market has expanded its number of non-food vendors.  When this market thing came to be, a few voiced concern that the thing would become a flea market.  No way is this thing a flea market, but I think calling it a "Green Market" is a stretch.  There were more vendors selling hard goods than in the past, and more processed food vendors compared to fresh out-of-the-dirt food vendors.  I saw two jewelry vendors, a soap person (nice smelling stuff I do say), a guy playing a guitar for tips, a pizza baker, and some other things.


Who did I not see?  Well it seems no produce again this year from the Roloff Farm.  Matt is busy with his TV show and the commute is too far.  Maybe next year.  Who else was a no-show? The Egg Man.  The milk and eggs guy (Carlton Farms) has pulled out of the market.  Although he had no comment, I asked around and found out what happened.  (if you know for sure otherwise, please fell free to comment).

Carlton Farms has been the go-to guy for hundreds of metro Atlanta families.  He has seven stops around metro Atlanta, selling eggs and milk from his farm.  Without a doubt, the back of his truck was always the busiest spot at every Wednesday market I visited.  He has a loyal following.  He brought customers to the market - customers who went ahead and made purchases (like $5 tomatoes) at other booths.  Now he has decided not to set up at the Wednesday affair.  Why?

Aside from his own milk and eggs, he would also sell vegetables.  But he did not grow these vegetables.  The vegetables were grown by his friend.  Grown here locally, in Georgia.  In fact, his friend used to set up at the Dunwoody Green Market (not sure why he left, but perhaps it was because of the non-food feel that dominates the new market).  In defense of the Dunwoody Green Market, its Market Standards do clearly state that:
Sellers are all persons who actually produce the fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, baked goods, jellies, jams, honey, and/or other approved products that they intend to sell at the Market. I could be wrong, but much of the jewelry I saw appears to have been machined, not hand crafted. 

Working against The Egg  Man is that the other vendors (those actually selling produce) saw a way to eliminate competition.  By not allowing The Egg Man to sell locally grown produce, they reduced the number of vendors (competition) selling produce.

It seems odd to me that the Market has decided Carlton Farms can't sell locally grown vegetables from a known local source, but it does allow jewelry and a pizza oven on wheels. 

Not sure how this will work out for each party (The Egg Man and The Green Market).  I think the Dunwoody Green Market needs The Egg Man more than he needs The Market, but hopefully something can be worked out.  It was sure convenient to get my eggs and milk while looking at the other offerings on Wednesdays.  Aside from the vendors selling produce and eggs, I bet the other vendors at the Dunwoody Green Market wish The Egg Man were around, bringing in his customers.

Did the Dunwoody Green Market manager and committee come down too hard on The Egg Man to increase their own sales?  Remember, GREEN has more than one definition. I did email the Market on this topic but got no reply.

One regret for the day - I forgot to buy some of the Zara Mays fudge. 

On the topic of vegetables, please stop by and see the Dunwoody Community Garden during Lemonade Days.  I'll set up a folding chair next to my plot and will be playing my guitar, giving advice on gardening, blogging, and things in general.  Farmer Bob will be there as well.  Many don't know it, but he used to be in a barber shop quartet.  He'll be singing while  I play guitar.

PS
If you see some guys digging for lost treasure near the dog park, stay away from them.

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