Have you been to a farmer's market...in the mall?
One part of Dadeland Mall was turned into an Indoor Farmer’s & Artisan Market on Saturday, for mall visitors to get a taste of Florida. Set up next to JC Penny, the market included products from local vendors and artisans from around the Florida area.
“These are small business and it’s the perfect way to bring their creations, what they make with their own hands to the market,” said Iris Casanova, Florida Fresh Market Event Coordinator.
The Indoor Farmer’s & Artisan Market is a weekly event, happening every Saturday and Sunday during normal mall hours. Close to 20 vendors, as well as a local musician took part in the festivities this weekend, providing many options for patrons to sample and purchase.
There was Pascale’s, whose schrubs are 100% fruit and when combined with sparking water is a healthy alternative to sodas, Skinny Luly, whose desserts are sugar and gluten free and have no artificial flavors and Dinah Alvarez Skin Care Atelier, who carries products for detoxing and clearing up all skin types.
“These folks are not in a position to sometimes have a brick and mortar,” said Casanova. “It’s extremely costly and sometimes they will never be in that kind of position because again, they’re small businesses, yet they have these amazing and unique items.”
Casanova and the Florida Fresh Market have been putting together events like this one for the past 10 years; not only are they seen in the local malls, but also in Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and corporate centers around the Florida area.
Samosa Momma’s employee Faith German enjoys being a part of this event because of the people. “The best thing is the engagement with the different cultures. I get to see how different people react to the Indian food and how they like or don’t like it and then we can make tiny adjustments,” said German.
Visitor were able to take time away from the busyness of the mall and enjoy an environment that was filled with culture, music and great conversation.
Good friends Paris Hosea and Joy Thompson both experienced a wonderful time at the event enjoying the food. “Our favorite was definitely the ceviche and the corn,” said Thompson, who ordered it from Ceviche and El Rey del Tamal, respectively.
Though Covid-19 affected turnout, the event was still deemed a success in the event coordinator’s eyes. “We have found that people are very much wanting to help out local business, and I see that more than ever before,” said Casanova. Since Covid-19, Florida Farmer’s Market has had to find ways to re-invent themselves to keep events going, but they owe a lot of their success to the community.
"For a large percent of [vendors], this is their livelihood," said Casanova. "We have had a lot of support from the community; they want to help and make sure the little guy survives and that's what keeps events like this around."
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