Market on Chocolate 2019

This year we’re setting a record for events. We’ve done 15 of them so far, and we’re on a course for at least another four before the end of the year.

One of the prettiest events was in Hershey last month. We set up our booth at Market on Chocolate, in the park at the center of town. The Saturday market is held weekly, and lasts only a few hours, so it didn’t have the intensity of ArtFest or CultureFest. There was a more laid-back vibe.

Part of it was due to it being held in the shade of the park instead of on the streets or under the sun. The green leaves cut the heat, and the cool ground kept us comfortable. A guitarist was performing mellow tunes. Fine people were strolling about and looking at our wares and listening to us sell them.

We sold books and that made us happy. We were under the shade and it wasn’t crowded with people and that made us happy, too. Between customers, I studied the tree canopy and felt the breeze cool on my skin. It was pleasurable to walk about and see what the other vendors were selling. There were vendors of gourmet popcorn, beer, coffee, wine, clothing and other products.

Skye and I found Crazy Horse Beef Jerky from Hellam, Pa. Cara Wenrich helped us sample the varieties they had to sell. I especially enjoyed the sweet and Steakhouse varieties. They were flavorful and delicious, not at all like the Slim Jims of childhood memories.

We also admired their banner, which hung from bungee cords at the back of the booth. We are going to retired the table banner that is falling apart, and follow Crazy Horse’s example.

With Skye’s love of flowers, it’s was inevitable that we were drawn to the Lavender Brook Farm stand. Owner Liesa Leader described the many products that were created from the locally grown lavender: rolls for the neck, eyes, and body; sprays and body washes; eyeglass cleaner; and bouquets and gift baskets.

It was also one of the prettiest stands we’ve visited, a delight to the eye and the nose.

We also stopped at Howling Henry’s Brewery of Hummelstown and bought a variety pack of six beers, including its basil and onion pale ale. That was unexpectedly tasty. While I’m not a fan of IPAs, I liked his variety as well.

All in all, a wonderful day in the park. And we even sold some books.