Pumpkin Center Volunteer Fire Department Yard Sale

 It was 5 a.m. when I rolled into the parking lot

at the Pumpkin Center Fire Department field.

This is an annual fundraiser for the station.

Last year, we had just moved into our new home, so we visited as browsers.

I scored by finding a large wooden drying rack

that I use year-round for drying laundry .

 This is a volunteer fire department

and the station closest to our home.

Yes, the area where we live is called Pumpkin Center.

Don't you think the trucks should be a sweet shade of orange?

Folks do love their fishing around here.

Several vendors were selling rods, reels,

tackle boxes and other fishing paraphernalia.

There were quite a few items for enjoying the outdoors.

These lanterns would come in handy 

during a power failure as well.

Vintage tools were a popular item for sale.

I just love thinking about what they had a hand in creating before they landed here.

Some items are so curious.

I should have asked about the use of these two "crank" tools.

The couple in this booth sold handmade jewelry

and handcrafted signs.

I bought myself a pair of sea turtle earrings.

 

This beautiful display by Pumpkin Center Pottery

caught my eye.

Her wares were sleek and modern, 

and very reasonably priced.

What a cute idea for using terra cotta pots!

We were there with our daisy tote tent.

We sold only a few things and have since decided

to stick with craft fairs from now on.

Although the fee for a booth was inexpensive,

the time could have been better spent doing something else.

We'll be back as shoppers next time though!

You just never know what you're gonna find.

Going Local-Maiden Fall Festival

We recently participated in the Maiden Fall Festival.
It's a yearly event that takes place at the Maiden Community Center. 
Maiden is a small town between Hickory and Mooresville 
in the Piedmont area of North Carolina.

The weather was cool and overcast
and we set up our daisy tote booth along with about 20 other vendors.
The outdoor event was from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine.
A number of craft and food vendors displayed their wares.

This was one of the more unique handmade items being showcased.
Pops Cornhole Boards and Bags is a family-owned business.
This game is quite popular up here and these boards were works of art!
What a great idea for the holidays!
If you are looking for a special gift, 
you can reach them at popscornboards@aol.com.
Tell 'em daisy sent you!

An array of vintage cars and trucks came out to strut their stuff.

The men swarmed around these beauties like bees to honey.

 A large play area for kids was available and at no charge.

 Something akin to a tractor-pull,
this event used lawn tractors to do the heavy work.

 There was no shortage of spectators enjoying the action.

We're hoping to do a few more craft shows before the season winds down.
We did well at this festival,
despite the intermittent rain and eventual downpour
that had us packing up an hour earlier than anticipated.

When you are doing what you love, nothing can dampen your spirits.

Going Local Posts:
 New Library
Hardware Upgrade
Memory Lane Museum
Troutman Farmers' Market
Mooresville Farmers' Market
The Mundy House
The Davidson Farmers' Market
Mount Holly Farmers' Market 
Mount Holly Community Garden
Grier Truck Museum

New Market Event

 On Saturday, we were invited to participate in an artisan market, called the Shop and Sip.

It was hosted by Ghostface Brewing

in downtown Mooresville.

 This market showcased local crafters and artisans

from within the Mooresville area.

Sue's Soaps featured a lovely array of handmade soaps, lotions 

and other "pamper me" items.

Her display reminds me of an exclusive boutique.

Brad Hartle at Ole School Craftsmanship

showed off his amazing woodworking offerings. 

What I love about this event

is that all the items are actually made by the folks selling them.

The Handmade by Erin booth highlighted a variety of knitted pieces.

 She has been knitting for a while

and even offers lessons to those who want to learn this skill.

A flourish of paper crafted samplings were found in this booth.

Sometimes I marvel at the creativity of fellow crafters.

I adored this chicken coop display.

Wouldn't this make a great bookshelf or yarn holder in a craft room?

The owner actually found this on her property and decided to repurpose it.

 I set up my daisy tote booth next to Bug's Bees Honey

and Toby Chapin Pottery.

The three of us attended the Mooresville Farmers' Market in the morning,

and then set up our wares in the afternoon at the Brewery parking lot.

With each experience, I feel more a bit more comfortable.

It feels good knowing that I am creating a purposeful product

that is made from something recycled.

It is a blessing to be able to spend time with other crafters

who are following their chosen path.

I meet the nicest people and feel an instant connection

to those who work with their hands.

Spreadin' my wings.

Going Local-Troutman Farmers' Market

Last Tuesday, I ventured out to participate in my first farmers' market

since hitting the ground in North Carolina.

My first foray began at ESC park in Iredell County,

about 25 minutes from where we're staying.

The park is located at 338 N Avenue in Troutman, NC.

We set up under the pavillion.

It's wonderful to have a covered space,

especially for vendors who have perishable items for sale.

Farmers' markets are huge here,

and I like that every effort is made to ensure that items sold

are absolutely as local as can be.

The Troutman market is open from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday 

from May through October.

This location seems to attract a lot of families

due to the proximity of the playground and playing fields.

 Since this is an afternoon/evening market,

 it's great to have food vendors attending

for those who want a bite to eat.

 A variety of home-grown veggies were featured.

Lettuce, onions and other goodies could be found,

as well as seedlings for shoppers to take home and plant.

The produce vendors seemed to do very well.

Fresh eggs were readily available from Hannah's Hen House.

I got in line before the event started,

to make sure that a few of these would make it home with me.

I enjoyed them all week in sandwiches, salads

and fresh tomato sauce for pasta.

We brought home some of Marc's homemade chocolate chip cookies. 

He also bakes breads, pies and other sweet treats.

The cookies were originally intended for Big K,

but I ended up finding them too good to resist.

 The lone jewelry booth displayed charms, necklaces, rings, and other brilliant baubles.

 A unique twist at this market

was chair massage

being offered by "Yellow Chair Massage". 

What a wonderful way to begin your week!

 My daisy tote booth didn't do so well,

but it was nice to get my feet wet in our new state.

It was fantastic to be a part of this market

and meet folks who really believe in what they are doing.

We'll keep plugging away!

Do you frequent the farmers' market in your town? 

*******

Other Going Local posts:

New Library

Hardware Upgrade

Memory Lane Museum

The Maple Hill Hop 155

Welcome to 

The Maple Hill Hop.

This is a hop for folks who love the outdoors.

Feel free to post about anything that's going on

OUTSIDE

in your neck of the woods,
no matter the season.

(Please share only outdoor posts.)

*Grab the button above to link back to Maple Hill 101.*


*******

 With cooler temperatures visiting,
craft fairs are on the rise.
This past Saturday we were invited back
to our local Tractor Supply
to show off our wares.  

 

This is the second time we've displayed our daisy totes at this location.

There were a few sprinkles early on,

but for the rest of the event we had clear skies.

There were folks selling herbal tea, cheese curds, homemade baked treats,

hand-crafted hair adornments, and a coffee and beverage food truck. 

Some fine country music serenaded us all morning

thanks to a local musician who set up next to my booth.

 There were some special guests.

A few vendors were selling these cute lil' things.

Don't  you know I wish I could've brought some home?

 And although the guinea pigs could have been adopted,

the sheep would most assuredly have been a problem with the HOA.

 One of our local beekeepers displayed this honeycomb

in his booth.  He's been selling honey for over 30 years.

There was even a Halloween costume contest for critters.

Overall, it was a fun morning.

We always meet the nicest folks on these outings.

That's what we've been up to.

What's going on outside where you are?

HOP on!

   

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