April 14, 2010
For most of the year, Military Avenue between Maple and Binney serves as a northwest entry point into downtown Benson. Starting Saturday, May 1, this stretch of road will transform into its weekly warm weather persona with the opening of the 2010 Benson Farmers Market.
The market, now in its third year, was founded by Mary Pat Johnson and Janelle Grieco, a local mother-daughter duo who share a love of Benson, its business district and all things green. The pair has since reached out to other volunteers to grow the market and attract more people to Maple Street, create a sense of community and improve the area’s economic outlook.
“Our mission is to support Benson businesses and serve as a place where the Benson community can come together, provide hands-on education concerning healthy eating and sustainable agriculture, and promote environmental conservation,” Johnson said.
The market will feature produce, plants, meat, eggs, baked goods, art, special events and more. Opening day will feature the market’s first annual pancake feed fundraiser from 8:00 to 10:30am. The event is sponsored by longtime Benson business advocate Greg Bourne, owner of Burke’s Pub, and Donna Donner, past president of the Benson Neighborhood Association. The menu includes all you can eat pancakes, bottomless coffee, sausage and orange juice. The cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children. All proceeds will be used for market operations.
Among the opening day vendors are Bloom Organics, Parsons Heirloom Plants, Lee Family Farms, Black Bottom Biscotti, Norm’s BBQ Sauce & Seasonings, AOK Sharpening Services, Bedford Gardens, Julie Ehlers Granola and Kvam Family Farms.
The market’s 2010 sponsors are AOK Sharpening Services, the Benson-Ames Alliance, Benson Grind, Benson Neighborhood Association, Benson Records Management, Burke’s Pub, Clocktower Chiropractic/Dr. Ryan Goss, D&B Metal Polishing, Grampy’s Curious Goods, Great Western Bank, Haney Shoes, Inventive Service/Nanci Walsh, Jake’s Cigars and Spirits, Jane’s Health Market, Leo’s Diner, Omaha Advertising/Kurt Goetzinger, The Pizza Shoppe, Ralph “Skip” Brown, State Farm/Andrea Maleki and Triangle Body.
In addition to helping run the market, Grieco is spearheading a local effort to investigate the possibility of establishing a community greenhouse in Benson. For more information or to get involved, contact her at 763.8995.
The Benson Farmers Market runs each Saturday from 8:00am to noon through Sept. 25. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor or a volunteer for the 2010 season, email bensonfm@cox.net or call Grieco at 763.8995 or Johnson at 390.9650.