Pop-Up Postcard: June 23, 2025 - U-Rock Ranch Farmers Market

This week’s pop-up took me out to the quiet countryside near Warden for the Monday evening U-Rock Ranch Farmers Market, held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. I loaded up the car, traveled just under 40 minutes each way, and spent the afternoon setting up a bright and cheerful booth inside the U-Rock Ranch barn.

It was my first time back at this market in a couple of years, and while I was hopeful it had grown since its early days, it turns out not much has changed. The space was cozy (just 10’ x 6’), but I was able to fit almost everything on a single table, and I was genuinely proud of how my display came together—it felt full, inviting, and well-balanced.

Unfortunately, customer traffic was extremely light—just a few visitors came through during the three-hour market, and most of us vendors spent the evening chatting with one another. My one sale came from a fellow vendor (thank you!), and I treated myself to a very good $5 cookie from another booth (mmm s'mores).

I’m always grateful for new opportunities, and while this market didn’t work out the way I’d hoped, it was still a learning experience. The barn has a cozy feel (though still a bit dark), and the organizer has made improvements, but with no produce vendors, limited foot traffic, and not much to draw a crowd on a Monday night, I’ve decided this one’s probably not quite the right fit for Katie Laine Handmade. I’m cheering on the vendors who continue to show up every 2nd and 4th Monday - but for now, I’ll be spending my Monday nights back in the studio—doing what I love and staying focused on the season ahead.

XO,

Katie