Interrupted Routine and the Marmalade Barometer

This weekend, life in the village has been seriously disrupted. 200-odd mountain bikers and 400-odd runners have descended for the 10th and 5th (respectively) annual Ride- and Run2Nowhere. That's a lot of people (plus hangers-on, bikes and vehicles) in a village of less than 5,000 people. They always use "our" market precinct. Over the years, where the market is concerned, we have learned (the hard way) that the event doesn't bring good sales. We might get feet, but they don't convert. Even if one sets up shop on the precinct. Honestly, there have been years I have done the "right" thing and lost money.

This year, we moved the market to in and around our local. It was a great spot. Outcome: the same as every year. Feet. Browsers and few buyers. Good thing the husband enjoys the breakfast muffins. And disgruntled locals (our market bread and butter). Not one marmalade sale. For the first time in about four or five months. That says something. Not about the locals, but that this crowd is not the "usual" visitor looking for the village and foodie experience.

So, this was my market stall yesterday down at Jimmy's pub.

Not much to report. Other than that I offered tasters of the lemonchilli marmalade on slices of sourdough rolls. Very well received. I gave my maket buddies and selected peeps, sample jars. Now to decide on jar size and add to stock. My focus group believes it will sell.

Oh, and, a bunch of us is deciding, after years, about actually giving very candid feedback to our local tourism office and the organisers about the extent to which we feel disrespected by these visitors. Folk couldn't get into their businesses, access their homes that were close to "base camp"... I could go on, but I plan, rather to do something constructive and to have a happy Sunday.

The weather's possibly changing, but until then...and next week(tomorrow), all's back to normal.

Until next time, be well
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa

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