ALMH Market gets a good start for the 2021 season

[May 24, 2021]   LINCOLN - This past Saturday, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Market opened its doors for the first day of the 2021 season.

Outside a happy crowd awaited the ringing of the bell signifying that all the vendors were in place and ready to serve them with their specialty products and homegrown vegetables.

The honor of ringing the bell for the first time this year was given to Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch who took a few moments afterward to speak about the market and the value it brings to the community.

Inside there was plenty to see as it appeared that every vendor slot is filled this year and the variety of offers big. From freshly grown lettuces to herbs, butters and jams, breads, meats, and micro-greens all the vendors were enjoying a time of selling their products to anxious buyers.



The Power of Produce or POP returns this year as an activity for children that helps them to learn and appreciate the need for fresh, healthy foods in their daily diets and does so in a fun way.





Around the room there were some familiar faces such as Toohill Seed and Beef, and Loeger Family Farms with their many live plants for decorating inside and out as well as some vegetable plants and freshly picked asparagus.





Special groups such as the Atlanta 4-H Club and First United Methodist Church offered free items and activities for youth.

Also on hand was Patti Becker with United Way of Logan County with books for area children.

In the room next door the balloon guy was making many children happy with his special shaped balloons.



This past week there were staff from ALMH conducting their “know your numbers” testing for cholesterol and more. ALMH will continue to have health and wellness programs throughout the season.



There were a couple of new vendors that got lots of attention. Café’ Cushman/Frothy Bottom was selling coffee and a variety of smoothies.

And, it was good to see a friend who is fighting back from the coronavirus disaster. Sherese Johnson of Heart and Soul Café was serving up breakfast. Some may recall that in 2018 Johnson opened her dream come true tiny café on Woodlawn. But, the forced shut down during coronavirus took its toll on the business and Johnson had to let go of her dream temporarily. Now she is fighting to get that dream back, and having the food booth at the market is a strong start.

Also in the north room are tables and chairs for everyone to sit and enjoy their food, and live music playing in the background to keep the mood upbeat throughout the market.

Judging by the many people carrying bags as they exited the two buildings, the first day of the ALMH Market was well received by the community.

The market will continue on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon through September.

[Nila Smith]