April showers or April shine, activities will abound the second weekend of the month at The Bernice Garden, with the third annual Plant Swap Saturday, April 13 and the grand opening of the second season of the local food farmers market the following day.
Mark your calendars now, because you won’t want to miss either event.
Some things remain the same, but changes will have participants clucking with excitement. The plant swap will again feature barbecue (for sale) by Boulevard Bread Co., music (for free) by Homemade Moments Jazz and vegetable, herb and flower transplants or cuttings, fruit trees, native plants and more to swap with neighbors or purchase from a local farmer. But the big flap is that this year’s version adds a poultry swap – as in live animals!
“Poultry enthusiasts are encouraged to come and purchase or swap chickens, ducks and other fowl,” garden coordinator Liz Sanders says. “Those curious to have backyard chickens will also learn a ton from the experts that will be in attendance.”
Children’s activities and demonstrations will keep people of all ages entertained, and you’re welcome to do your best version of the chicken dance, funky or otherwise.
You’ll want to come back Sunday, April 14, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for The Bernice Garden Farmers’ Market’s 2013 opening, and every Sunday thereafter through the fall. Welcome additions for this year are the ability to accept WIC coupons, new vendors and plate lunches with all local ingredients for sale, cooked up on the spot by Capital Bar and Hotel chef Travis McConnell!
McConnell will prepare local sausages from Falling Sky Farm and Farm Girl Natural Foods, as well as local-veggie side items. As he cooks, shoppers can catch his demonstrations of delicious cooking techniques and learn about his new business venture, Butcher and Public (butcherandpublic.com).
As part of the grand-opening, massage therapist and nurse Kenley Throgmartin will offer 10- to 20-minute chair massages. No appointment is necessary; just take a seat and grab some bliss and relaxation for the road.
Bring your friends, bring your family or come alone, but be sure to be there, for goodness’ sake!
Also, be sure to check the Facebook page for out our soon-to-open sister on South Main. ESSE Purse Museum will open this summer and we couldn’t be more excited.