First annual farmer's market kicks off in Superior

Andrew Waite

Mineral Independent

Business was rough for the Lapinski brothers Saturday morning in Superior.

Nathan, 10, wasn’t selling much lemonade at the Superior Farmers’ Market, despite being in the beverage industry for nearly seven years. Perhaps it was because he was missing his recognizable yellow stand.

Younger brother Jacob was having an even more difficult time. He couldn’t manage to unload any baby chickens at the bargain price of $4 per fowl. Maybe $3 would have been better?

But perhaps more than anything else, the Lapinski boys’ troubles may have come because their mother, Michelle, was stealing all their customers. Her fresh eggs were flying off her stand.

She started the day with 23 dozen and was down to just four — make that three – dozen shortly after 10 a.m.

Like Michelle’s business, the farmers’ market creators thought the first-ever farmers’ market in Superior was also a success.

"This is a pretty good turnout for the first day," said Nicole Donally, who helped Peggy Stewart create the farmers’ market. About 10 vendors came to sell a variety of products, and many townspeople stopped by to check it out and buy the fresh goods.

Stewart owns Sense of Balance, a Superior store that specializes in bulk herbs, spices and gifts, and she wanted to have a farmers’ market at her own store. Then, while discussing town planning and community at a Horizons meeting, Stewart thought that all of Superior should be able to take part.

"There are so many talented people here," Stewart said. "This is a gathering so folks can make this a strong community."

"This is her idea and she’s done the legwork," Donally said of Stewart’s effort.

Stewart said she decided a farmers’ market might be beneficial when she noticed the shopping habits of one townsperson.

"I saw some gal buying zucchini, and I said, ‘You must be new in town,’" Stewart joked.  

Randy Russ’s roasting coffee beans dominated the nostrils in the Cessna parking lot Saturday, but vendors ranged from Russ’s coffee to plants and flowers to baked goods to goats milk soap and of course to the Lapinski’s lemonade and fresh egg stands.

Each vendor had to pay $5 for the spot to help pay for the advertising of future farmers’ markets.  

The $5 fee didn’t help Nathan Lapinski, who said he is saving up to but a hunting rifle.

"I’m trying to get some money in my bank account," Lapinski said.

Maybe the Lapinski boys will have better luck at the next Superior Farmers’ Market. Stewart said the market will be held every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Cessna lot until the snow flies. The only exception will be the Fourth of July weekend.

Those interested in being a vendor can call Stewart at 406-822-3333.