little blog on the prairie

Over the weekend I made my usual Saturday morning run to Market on the Square. I felt guilty leaving the killer cockapoo at home, since this was our usual ritual every weekend pre-Peanut. But I took her and the baby last week, and needless to say it was a bit much. One of these days we will jump on Mr. lbotp and make him get out of bed so we can all go as a family.

Anyway, it’s interesting to me to note the explosion of new vendors there. I guess it happens every year, that vendors come and vendors go (remember Habeeb’s baklava?). Some of my favorites have signed on in just the past couple years. But how much jewelry can one buy? Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have something different, although I wonder how long the lady making pet clothes (yes you read that correctly) will last. I don’t want room to run out for the farmers, many of whom don’t have produce to sell yet (can’t wait for those peaches.)

Besides fruits and vegetables, my farmer’s market favorites include:

• Dog Gone Goodies. Homemade dog treats — made by consumers of the Mental Health Center of Champaign County. The killer cockapoo’s favorite.
• Audra’s Gourmet Toffee makes a great hostess gift (and I love to eat it myself).
• The scrumptious goat cheese from Prairie Fruits Farm.
• Calico Creatures’ creations (t-shirts, placemats and more with original artwork). Can’t wait to get Peanut one of their adorable designs. My niece and nephew love their shirts — a puppy and a baby elephant, respectively.