Saturday was the opening day at The Ligonier Country Market. This is our eighth year as vendors at the market, and with every year, we have grown more appreciative of our soap family. I remember our very first market. We have definitely learned a lot while attending this fantastic market, and we are grateful to those who take on leadership roles for creating such a well-run, well-organized, and well-attended market. We always say that Ligonier Country Market has spoiled us for all other shows, and it remains true.
There are so many things I love about The Ligonier Country Market. First, it's the people. This market is filled with great people, from the organizers to the vendors to the market attendees. I have stated before that the handmade community is an exceptional group. We have made some wonderful friends at the market. Two of my besties, Tricia Brown and Christina Moore, have become cherished and trusted friends. We also have a lovely circle of wonderful friends, including Carlene, Pat and Sherry, Pamela Jean, Sharon, Sue and Julia. Being surrounded by these people makes my Saturday enjoyable. However, we also have so many outstanding soap family members we look forward to seeing regularly. These wonderful people make what we do worthwhile, and we have a running list of people we look forward to seeing almost every week. Anne, Robbie, Kelly, Jeanette, Gus-Gus, and Linds are just a few of the people we look forward to seeing. I don't think many business owners have such wonderful supporters who have become friends. In this, we are truly blessed.
Another reason I love The Ligonier Country Market is the venue. The event space is easy to maneuver, and we get to keep our vehicle at our tent site (you cannot imagine how much easier and more convenient this small detail makes a vendor's life). This year, the site markers are brighter and clearer than they have been in the past. We like to arrive at 6 a.m. so that we don't have to fight traffic to get to our spot and we can be set up in a timely manner. The setting is gorgeous, and when the weather cooperates, you can't ask for a better setting for a country market. We have had a variety of neighbors over the years, and most of them have become part of our friend circle. The vendors at LCM always impress me with their artistry and professionalism.
Thank you to everyone involved in making The Ligonier Country Market a warm, friendly, and welcoming place. In our eighth year, we continue to feel the love from you, our soap family. In the early days of being a vendor, I was a nervous wreck on market day. Now, eight years later, my anxiety is assuaged. Still, I continue to feel the desire to improve, make your shopping experience as personal and unique as possible, and show you the care and service you deserve. You will always come first. If the day ever comes that this is not my why, I will graciously bow out because I will no longer be serving you. I don't see that happening anytime soon.
If you have an opportunity to join us on a Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, it is worth the early hours and the traffic. A few tips to make your market day enjoyable are to come early, dress in layers, wear your cutest, most comfortable market outfit, and bring your appetite and plenty of cash. You will find most vendors accept cards, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc., but small business owners get charged exorbitant fees for card transactions. Many of my vendor friends have implemented minimal amount purchases to accept cards and service charges to counterbalance the exorbitant costs. For example, if you use a card to purchase an $8 bar of soap, we actually lose money on that transaction. It's a difficult situation for small business owners. Of course, we want to offer convenience, and we understand that many use their cards to receive cash-back rewards, but please remember that most of us are too small to absorb the fees most POS providers charge. We aren't greedy or trying to be difficult; we are merely trying to protect ourselves. This year, the market has provided a bank trailer complete with an ATM for shopper's convenience. However, fees are incurred from using the ATMS as well. My gentle advice is to be proactive and get cash before coming to the market.
Thank you to our soap family for your years of support. You have made our early Saturday mornings a reason to smile. "We appreciate you" is not enough, but please know truer words were never spoken. We look forward to another market season of good people, jokes, and laughter, growing our soap family, and serving you. On this summer-like day, stay safe and be smart; thank you for your support; please join us on Saturdays, and keep washing your hands.
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