The first-ever Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market yesterday was a promising launch event. The foot traffic was fairly steady throughout the afternoon despite the 95° heat. And perhaps just as importantly, patrons were overwhelmingly enthusiastic that a market was now in our area.

More than just a place to buy fresh-baked bread, delicious local produce, or mouth-watering food truck fare, it brought together people who live, work, or just pass through Emerson-Garfield and gave them a chance to slow down and socialize.

Patrons at Pacific Produce booth.

Slicing a nectarine for sampling at the Pacific Produce booth.

Rachel’s handmade soaps at the Orange Thyme booth.

Rachel and Brian discuss her handmade soaps at the Orange Thyme booth.

Claire from the Vinegar Flats booth.

Jennifer de-stresses a patron at the Jennifer Michelle Massage booth.

Bev from Petunia’s Marketplace proudly displaying honey from her own apiary.

Pete explains his homemade rubs and spices at the SavorX booth.

Lauri can’t bag her bread fast enough at the Pleasant Prairie Farms booth.

Some of the homegrown veggies on offer at the Sweet Things booth.

Info leaflets on Sweet Things’ Trades of Hope.

Wild-caught, flash-frozen sockeye at the Old Harbor Sustainable Seafood booth.

The Scoop doing a brisk trade on an especially hot day.

Anne with her homegrown veggies at The Father’s Table.

Sunny and Jim at the JJ Goats booth.

Rocky River Soap Co’s gorgeous lineup of liquid castile soaps.

Rocky River Soaps — good for your skin, good for the environment.

Alie of Gluten Busters shows off their range of tantalizing gluten-free products.

Gluten Busters is proud of being gluten free.

Making friends at the Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market.

Climbing trees at the Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market.

The vast majority of our fifteen vendors said the event met or exceeded their expectations of a first-time market. In the coming weeks we’ll be doing more promotion, expanding, and fine-tuning to make it an even better experience for everyone involved.

The crucial thing now is to spread the word! Let your neighbors, friends and colleagues know that the market will be at Knox Presbyterian Church (806 W. Knox) every Friday until October 18 and that it offers a full range of shopping items — including fish, meat, bath and body, fruit, ice cream, and even massage to help you de-stress. More patrons will enable us to introduce an even wider range of vendors.

Credit for all the above photos (which we think really captured the beauty and spirit of the event) goes to Megan and Rob Kennedy of Rogue Heart Media. RHM does weddings and more — and they’re an Emerson-Garfield-based business to boot.