Farmers’ market celebrates birthday

It was foam pits and laughter galore on Saturday when the vendors of the Springs Farmers’ Market celebrated its birthday.

The market, which started small in the back entrance of the Den Akker Party Venue, has evolved into a community staple for all who sell and visit for their weekly needs.

Johann Jungbauer, the market founder, says the moment was bittersweet for him.

“First, the small farmers for whom the market was started did not support us, but regular vendors stayed with us, even when we had no support from the local community.”

He thanked the regulars of the Springs Parkrun for their support. Johann says some plans are already in place to ensure the market’s continued growth.

“We are working with the Parkrun organisers and the Mining and Military Museum team to create a precinct where Springsites can spend half a day.

“Parkrun in the morning, visit the museum and have breakfast at the Springs Farmers Market.

“We are increasing the children’s activities to draw in families for a morning of entertainment.”

Johann invites other organisations to the market.

“We invite charities to join us for their fundraising. Residents can help us promote the market and the whole precinct. They can also talk to us about what activities and products they want at the market.”

The market’s vendors shared their experiences in the year they have been there.

“I have to say it is the great people we have met and the friends we’ve made,” explain Dianne and Allan Loom.

“Definitely the friendships formed. Everybody supports each other, and it’s like our own little community,” beams Martie Pretorius.

JP and Machane Venter had much to be thankful for.

“Myself and my wife joined Springs Farmers’ Market last June. We were new to it and did not know what to expect. Our clientele base was small, but we had hope.

“One of our friends, also a vendor at the market, Tannie Annamarie, told us about it, so we went.

“The vendors became like family, and clients became friends. The market’s atmosphere is inviting and friendly. You always feel at home.

“Whenever the wind decides to blow your gazebo away, you can be assured your fellow vendors have your back.”

Arthur Golding and Yvonne Bima of Beekeepers Honey touched on their sweet experience at the market.

“We felt like family from day one. I had the guys, Gert and Fanie, check on me throughout the morning. It never once felt like it was my first time. The vendors are friendly, and everyone said they missed us when we weren’t there.”

Nadia Nel and Cindy van Greuning share quite a story about their first day as vendors.

“Our first time here, we had an umbrella for shade. The wind was hectic and destroyed the umbrella,” Cindy says laughingly.

“Instead of everyone standing and watching our struggle, they jumped in and helped us try different ways to keep the umbrella from flying away.

“Handbags were put on the ground, and if the wind started to blow, someone would hold the umbrella down.”

She says that the umbrella eventually became a lost cause.

“Instead of having us sit in the hot sun, JP and Machane moved us into their gazebo without a second thought. Everyone here is here for the community and to help each other grow.

“We ended up getting a gazebo, and it keeps us so motivated because even if we feel we aren’t doing too great, the community will always tell us how proud they are and remind us how much we have grown,” concludes Cindy.

Fanie van Deventer and his wife, Neen, share how they became part of the market’s story.

“The Springs Farmers’ Market was born with, I think, originally seven vendors, of which one was a farmer. Due to not many farmers joining us, the only fresh produce offered at the first market was tomatoes, spinach and potatoes. Neen and I decided we must urgently get more produce available at the market to make it feasible as a farmers’ market.

“We jumped in as rookies, both concerning markets and fruits and vegetables and began sourcing fresh produce urgently and managed to get a few different kinds of produce available at that first market.

“We had our ups and downs. Believe me, but in the end, the market community’s strength pulled us through.

“As a team, Neen and I grew tremendously in the business and marketing fields, mostly because of the market experiences and the knowledge shared by our market community.

“I grew from a pedlar to a vendor and would not have achieved that without the support and expertise shared with other vendors and patrons.

“Springs for Springs and ‘Saturday fun in the park’ Will always be our motto,” ends Fanie.

Vendors can register and book their stalls online at https://springsfarmersmarket.co.za