Homemade and Local

Ash Merritt
Assistant Editor 
  The Idaho Falls’ (IF) Farmers Market is an annual event that happens on the East side of the Snake River. Farmers markets provide locals an opportunity to connect with vendors who offer homemade products and services. 
  DNH Studios is one of the small businesses found at the farmer's market. They mainly sell dog accessories like bandanas, bowties, dresses, and more. They have a rewards program to help give back to the customer. They give a little card that has eight squares of $5 increments, and the customer can earn a free bandana after spending $40. DNH is closing down their storefront and going to do markets and online shopping only. Sharon, the owner, explains that they want to “focus on expanding [their] pet products and focus on markets because it is what [they] love to do.” Sharon continues to explain that they will sell all their products online and customers can come pick up their items from the DNH booth.
  Community Gardens, which offers classes to anyone interested in gardening, is another booth to visit when attending the farmers market. People who join can learn how to save, plant, and grow seeds, all while learning about organic gardening practices, building healthy soil, and establishing gardening structures. Marshall Walker, a Community Gardens worker, explains that “they have the community garden for whoever wants to join as an organic [gardener].” They offer online and in-person classes for learning. They give out seeds to anyone who comes and sees their booth. 
  Bumble and Bleat, a small company, sells handcrafted soaps, lotions, and scrubs. Bumble and Bleat has had a shop in the downtown area of Idaho Falls; however, since the products are mostly handmade, Sharon Reaser, one of the owners, explains she is unable to keep up with the storefront demands. She will continue to sell online and at the farmers market, so this is not the last of Bumble and Bleat! 
  Lastly, Carmendee Dragons, owned and operated by Angela Neeley, is known for its handmade dragon jewelry. Neeley’s jewelry is little clay dragons with dice or jars. She has clay dragons made and uses them to make necklaces and earrings. She started her small business in 2009 and has been using Instagram and Etsy to sell her projects to the world. Neeley had been told about the farmers market, and she decided to ask about opening a little stand to sell her projects. She has been selling at the farmers market since 2018. Neeley’s price range is $3-$200 for her earrings, necklaces, and little trinkets at her stand. 
  The IF Farmers Market is full of outstanding vendors and kind crafters. These markets happen every Saturday at 9
a.m.- 2 p.m. from May 4th to October 26th. It is encouraged to go see what the IF Farmers Market offers!