Are There Too Many Artist/Farmers Markets in EP?
It seems every week there are market events occurring. All different sides of town. There are a few main markets, and new ones are popping up. Is this too many? Is the “market” getting saturated? There are a few similarities and differences between them. Here’s a quick guide on the main differences.
It seems every week there are market events occurring. All different sides of town. There are a few main markets, and new ones are popping up. Is this too many? Is the “market” getting saturated? There are a few similarities and differences between them. Here’s a quick guide on the main differences.
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
Actual farmer’s market vibe
Fresh produce
Fresh ingredients
Artisans
Very traditional
Very simple booths with a table and their products
The vibe here is definitely something that you get from traditional farmers that are living off the land and are self sustaining. They make everything they eat from ingredients they have grown. No processed foods. Skilled in different ways of preserving, and making the most out of their resources.
Upper Valley Artist and Farmer’s Market
At the Substation and at Mesa Plaza in front of Hobby Lobby on the west side
Modern market
Lots of vendors
Similar products within the market, but different execution
More elaborate booth presentations
A modern take on the markets. These booths have a more elaborate presentation. Tables with table cloths, shelves with decorations. Presentation is a big part of their image. There are lots of vendors. Some will sell very similar products with very slight differences in execution. For example if they sell tumblers, some will be themed as very cute, while other may be themed as darker horror themes, but again still the “same” product.
Kaleidoscope Art Market
Currently occurring mostly at Sunland Park Mall aside from occasional LARGER market such as 4-20 market and Krampus Fest.
Niched
Dark themes
Knick-knacks
Curiosities
Replicas
Kaleidoscope is more of an art market. Very little farmer’s and home grown products. There are a lot of homemade products along with artwork. This includes things like crotchet, jewelry, candles, and more. This market is more niched and themed. A lot of fans of anime, horror, musicians, vintage, etc.
El Paso Downtown Artist & Farmer’s Market
Modern Farmers
Vegan and Lifestyle options
Modest booth presentation
Original Artwork
This is a middle ground from the Ardovino’s Market and the Upper Valley market. This is modern take on the farmer’s market. There are farmers and other homegrown goods. They cater to the different lifestyles such as vegan, gluten-free, non-processed foods, etc. Artists are very original and unique. Very few of them use trademarked themes and characters.
Now you know!
Another little side note is that most of these markets are pet friendly (except the indoor markets) and some vendors even offer dog treats. More consistently at Upper Valley and Downtown markets.
We have sold at all but the Ardovino’s Desert Crossing market. So like us, a lot of vendors overlap in the markets. Each market did feel different, and attracted different customers. We felt different and responded differently to the different crowds and customers. We have been on both sides now.
We would love to hear from you? As a vendor or customer. Which markets do you like more, and why? Which vendors? What do they have that the others don’t? How do you stand out in the different markets? Or continue the discussion on our Facebook group for Artist/Vendor Improvements.
If you’d like a few tips, this is how Super Bowl ads stand out, and you don’t need a big budget.
Gluten-us v. Gluten them
“Eeewwww gluten free that must taste so gross!”
Recently I have noticed a huge divide in individuals who only want gluten free foods and some who think they are absolutely gross and refuse to even taste them, and some who swear by them.
One of my aunts has a terrible gluten allergy. This allergy is called Celiac Disease. This can be rather serious for some people. I felt bad for her during the holidays everyone is always snacking on cakes, cookies, pies and other glutenous treats. One year I decided to make a gluten free pumpkin pie. Not that pumpkin pies have a ton of gluten but it is nearly impossible to find someone who makes and sells gluten free pies during the holidays and when you do they are outrageously priced. So…what does one do? Make it yourself. I was already making other pies for our family gathering so what was one more. Well…..they are a tiny bit more labor intensive and a bit more expensive but well worth it.
Once the pie was made it looked and smelled even more delicious than the regular pies. It had a pecan crust and pumpkin pie filling. Mmmm So we arrived, pies in hand, and to my surprise some people were like “Eeewwww gluten free that must taste so gross!” This is when I began to see the divide of gluten-us vs. gluten-them. Some people unfortunately don’t have the choice and have got to eat gluten free. Others who do have the choice can be interesting. There are several benefits to eating gluten free and you do not feel the loss of gluten. However it is so difficult to find affordable desserts that are made. Now it is so much more simple to make these desserts. They now sell mixes for cookies, brownies and cake. (Versal Arts sells mixes also 😉) But back in the day that was some kind of joke.
Gluten-free
Chocolate Turtle Cake
The pie had been a success, then came a birthday party. I called a local bakery to order a cake, thinking this will save me some time and I’m sure it’ll be beautiful. So I call and ask for a gluten-free cake, they laughed. I then proceeded to ask “How much would a 6 in cake be?” ….silence then….”$60” Huh?!?! I was flabbergasted, I get that the ingredients are more expensive but that amount for a 6 inch cake seemed ridiculous. After a little bit of self talk I hyped myself up to making it on my own. I decided to make a chocolate turtle cake. Turtle being like those chocolate candies that have pecans, caramel and chocolate. Humm how do you make this cake in 2 hours. Ha I had to cheat and use actual caramels and melt them down, there was no way I was going to be able to make it and have it to the birthday party on time. Anyway two delicious layers of gluten free chocolate cake made with coconut flour, with a creamy center of warm caramel and toasted pecans, holding the two together covered in more caramel, pecans and a homemade chocolate ganache. My stab at a glutenous gluten free cake was complete. The best thing about it was that nobody knew that it was gluten free. The crumb looked normal and tasted just like a chocolate cake with a hint of coconut flavor.
So after having some successful gluten-free desserts, we had already started doing the farmers markets… we occasionally have gluten free items available such as gluten free cookies, our pumpkin butter, mini pies, whole pies, energy bites, brownies in a jar etc. We had to offer samples and have it presented at the market. The reactions were surprising. Some people flocked to the gluten-free foods and others were beyond opposed. Some reactions were quite comical as soon as a sample was offered they would scrunch their face and say something like, “Oh no why would anyone want to eat something like that.” They would taste it anyway and end up loving it. We would occasionally have to explain why we make some of these items. Then they would feel bad and were sorry they were rude and some just didn’t care and would walk away or say, “Humm that doesn’t taste like cardboard, I like it.” I was thinking, “Dang where have they tried such horrible foods?!” We were on a mission to provide delicious gluten-free foods.
Gluten free foods were just the tip of the iceberg, there are so many other kinds of foods and special products that are needed by people like, sugar-free desserts, keto friendly, & gluten-free. Let us know when you need an order of anything. Versal is here to serve you.
For El Pasoans, we do offer that same Gluten-free Turtle Cake. Place an order and try it out for yourself!
Something you don’t see on the menu? Ask us and see what we can do.