University Daily Kansan / Monday, December 4, 1989 9 Farmers Market opens locally Vendors brave cold to offer original goods, ethnic delights By Chris Evans Kanean staff writer Sitting bundled up in a remodeled yellow bus on a chilly Saturday morning, the Jefferson County engineer appeared to have ignored the advice printed on the Farmers Market fliers. "Come in where it is warm and shop with some of your favorite people," the orange handbill stated. Richard Teaford, the engineer, had other things on his mind. "I've got a lot of farming to do," he said, looking out the window at the clear skies. "I should get at it." "I got drafted." he said. Teaford's wife, Maryetta, was in the South Park Recreation Center, 1141 Massachusetts St., trying to sell her plants at Lawrence's first winter Farmers Market. For this week, Teaford had just come along to drive the bus. Inside, Maryetta Teaford shared space with about 15 other vendors. About the same number of customers filled the room. browsing from table to table. "This is kind of a different event," said Norma Bishop, Watson Library circulation librarian. "It's kind of a celebration of the Farmers Market." The market, which until now took place weekly from May to November, has a special, loyal following, she said. "I did come here because of my nostalgia for the Farmers Market," Bishop said. "These are great people." Willis and Velma Vann, Carbondale, said they and other vendors offered non-seasonal goods at the winter market, which is to be held again twice this winter. The Vanns' table was crowded with products ranging from dolls to honey straws. "Now, I ground my flour from the whole kernel o wheat, so it’s all natural." Velma Vann said to a potential customer. She held up a small plastic container of whea kernels to demonstrate her point. The Vann's independent food creations don't stop with wheat flour. Willis Vann has stories to tell about their honey straws, and how his interest in wine got him into the business of beekeeping. The 71-year-old farmer leaned forward. A trace of a smile crossed his lips. "I'm a charter member of the Amateur Winemakers of the state of Kansas," he said. "When I started this, a family could make 200 gallons a year for personal use. I used the bêes' honey for a sweetener, "I got so much honey from my bees that I couldn't use it all for the wine, so I started making honey." Willis Vann said he still made wine from time to time but spent more time with his work on his farm and with "From the combine to what you see here, I'd say we spend about eight hours a week," he said. You'll spend more time than he does, Willa Vann said. "With the India lady here, she made all that in about 12 Fatma Mohammed, the woman, smiled and shook her head when she heard that estimate. "It took me two days," she said. "I have to stuff everything and cook it just before I come over here. I cook it all night." "There is no meat in my food. They can get the meat anywhere else." Not everyone at the market offered ready-to-eat foods, such as Mohammed's Greek and Middle Eastern specialties, John and Kathy King, Edgerton residents, offer a line of mostly organic, flavored vinegars. "Salad dressing is what it was made for," John King said. "Up north, in Canada, they put vinegar on French fries. Down south, they put it in chili." The Kings had vinegar flavors with ingredients from blueberries to cayenne pepper. John King said he would gladly share his organic secrets. "Anybody could do any of this stuff." he said. "If people eat better, that's the main thing." Velma Van, Carbondale, shows her homemade dolls, bread, honey and pancake mix. Andrew Morrison/KANSAN Season's Greetings From Holiday Plaza Merchants. 25th & Iowa TAE KWON DO Special Introductory 1 month of Tae Kwon Do plus FREE UNIFORM $4943 (unlimited classes) Self Defense Self Discipline Self Confidence Balance and Coordination Fitness & Weight Control HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM NEW HORIZONS Come by and watch a class! 749-4400 Guitars Amps Drums Accessories Band Instrument Sales & Repair PULLIAM'S MUSIC HOUSE We Buy, Sell & Trade Used Instrument Lessons — Financing — Terms 25th & Iowa 843-3007 - Two-Bottle Wine Boxes & Other Gift Sets Available One Size Fits All. - Imported Beer Gift Boxes - Domestic & Imported Wines - Free Gift Wrapping Meisner-Milstead Liquor 2104 W.25 842-4499 Sharon's Bridal Boutique We specialize in Custom Designed formal wear to make you look and feel your very best! your very best! - Sequined Gowns - Designer Tuxedos - Party Dresses - Rental Gowns - Rhinestone Accessories - Lots Of Sale Items - Lots Of Sale Items * * Hairstyling By Antonio * - Hairstyling By Antonio Hairraising By Antonio 2449 Iowa 842-892-8