Sunday, December 9, 2007

Building Your Local Farmer's Market Podcast

Click on the link above to listen to Wendimere Reilly interview farmer's market guru, Sharon Yeago, Market Manager of the popular High Springs Farmer's Market near Gainsville. Florida is experiencing record growth in the number of new farmer's markets opening throughout the state. Yeago explains how these markets are being used as a valuable tool for economic revitalization and community development. Learn how easy it is to bring your wares to market and how the market can help our downtown. And don't forget to visit the Haines City Farmer's Market at Railroad Park on Wednesdays from 8am-2pm.

On Wednesday, Dec 12th at 10am, students from the Davenport School of the Arts will be touring the market as part of a project for The Health Chic Kids and Polk County Healthy Kid Ambassador Program.

For more information about The Haines City Farmer's Market contact Ann Freeling at 421-9950.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Farmer's Market Guru Sharon Yeago to Speak in Haines City

She runs the hottest farmer's market in the state of Florida. She teaches Seniors and part-time backyard gardeners how to make some extra cash by "going to market," and has even convinced prominent decision makers that "going local" is good for food security. And now is your chance to meet her as Haines City Main Street presents- "The Local Farmer's Market, Good for You, Good for Business, Good for the Community," on Wednesday, Nov 28th, 2pm, City Hall, Haines City.

According to Sharon Yeago, "community farmers’ markets are an excellent marketing opportunity particularly for small and newly established farmers to make money, contribute to their community’s stability and most importantly of all - tell the story about how vital farming is to Florida!"

Sharon is the immediate past Chairman of the Board for the Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets, and is currently directing their Buy Local Florida grant program. Sharon developed this program and it is successfully bringing more small farmers to market, creating new community markets, and educating market managers on working with small farmers, value added products and best management practices.

Sharon has been a community farmers market manager for the past 7 years and currently manages the High Springs Farmers Market. She also manages the High Springs Food Security Project, a grant funded program sponsored by the Project for Public Spaces and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Prior to joining the agricultural community, Sharon developed extensive experience in the nonprofit world through her work with cultural and music programming.

Bethune Academy Art Auction to Benefit Orphanage

On Monday, Dec. 17th , Bethune Academy students will host an Egyptian Festival and Art Auction to benefit the children of the Pierce Orphanage in Kokstad, South Africa . Come view art featuring Egyptian themes and symbols, munch on goodies, and participate in a silent auction for hand-painted musical instruments. All proceeds will go directly to the Pierce Orphanage. This event is the culmination of a three-month project involving students in grades K-5. Bidding will begin at 11:30 and close at noon. We look forward to seeing you on Dec. 17th !

Holiday Home Tour

Haines City Holiday Home Tour
Friday, November 30, 2007
Two tours available: 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Visit 4 beautifully decorated Haines City homes decorated from top to bottom with Holiday Spirit and all the trimmings!
Tour begins at "Shoppes at Van Buren" in beautiful downtown
633 Ingraham Avenue (refreshments/buses provided)
and ends at "A Different View" with some sweet treats!!

Benefit for Haines City Main Street and Northeast Historical Society
$30 per ticket
Contact Sharon Gardner (863) 422-4035

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

18th Annual Fall Festival

The 18 th Annual Fall Festival is coming to historic Railroad Park in downtown Haines City on Saturday, October 27th from 10am - 2pm. There will be food concessions, arts and craft vendors, as well as plenty of entertainment. Haines City Main Street will be sponsoring the Children’s Costume Contest, the Pie Eating Contest, and the Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

Contact Ann Freling at 421-9950 for details.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Free Florida Friendly Landscaping Workshops

The Health Chic House is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the Florida Yards & Neighborhood Program to offer free workshops on eco-friendly gardening and landscaping. Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (an extension of the University of Florida) can help you transform your yard into a beautiful oasis that will not only conserve precious water resources and reduce pollution, but will also help you save time, energy and money. Florida-friendly landscaping emphasizes nine major principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Control Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

Upcoming Classes at The Health Chic House

Monday, October 15th, 6-7:30pm- Intro to Native Plants of Florida
Saturday, November 10th, 9-10:30am- Rain Barrels (supply fee applies)
Wednesday, November 28th, 6-7pm- Understanding Soil pH (bring a soil sample)

Please register for classes online at Polk County Florida Yards & Neighborhoods or call 863-519-8677. The Health Chic House is located in the green & yellow house at 12 North 5th Street, 863-419-8584.

Friday, September 28, 2007

About the Haines City Main Street Program

Visitors and newcomers are delighted to find Haines City’s picturesque downtown, with historic buildings, park benches, quaint restaurants, unique shops and services. The City’s plan to revitalize the historic neighborhood through streetscaping and utility improvements builds a solid base for the City’s nationally accredited Main Street program to be successful.

The Main Street program supports efforts to improve the downtown’s aesthetics. It provides shop owners with grants to paint and refurbish their buildings, while striving to preserve the community’s heritage. In partnership with the Chamber and the Economic Development Council, Main Street staff actively recruits new businesses to complement the downtown’s mix of retail and service merchants.

The Haines City Main Street Vision is to be the cultural, retail and educational center of Haines City’s Historic District, offering its unique blend of population, diversity, business mix, and the arts in a quaint, safe and accessible setting to residents and visitors of all ages.

The Haines City Main Street Blog was created to help you stay current with all of the wonderful and exciting things that are happening in this newly revitalized urban community.