Celebrating a successful farmers market season at the annual Fall Bash!

We had our first chilly morning here on Rosebud at only 18 degrees which signifies the end of our growing season. As we step forward into colder weather, we'd like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible season that allowed our community garden to thrive and provide for us.

We celebrated by throwing our annual end of the season Fall Bash; it was a testament to the loyalty of our community and the remarkable achievements of the Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative. Our end-of-season Fall Bash was our largest one yet, thanks to the support and enthusiasm of our community members. Over 100 people came together to celebrate the end of a thriving farmers market season.

The Fall Bash provided creative entertainment with activities such as face painting, tarot readings, pumpkin painting, and pumpkin contests. We even gave away limited edition Siċaŋġu fall themed t-shirts that everyone loved. Our young ones had a blast, learning the joys of being part of a close-knit community.

We also provided the opportunity for local growers to celebrate their green thumbs with garden contests that showcased their dedication to their produce. The fall-themed photo booth was a hit and captured the essence of the season and allowed families to take beautiful photos together.

Our local vendors displayed their talents, offering an array of freshly made hot foods and goods. These were the same vendors that showed up weekly at every farmers market throughout the season. Truly, these vendors are the reason for the success and growth of our amazing farmers market. These vendors have stepped out of their comfort zones, grown their businesses, and have created a name for themselves in the community. We've been fortunate to have a dedicated group of vendors who have been with us throughout the season. Their commitment has helped us attract more community members each week.

Events like the Fall Bash are vital for our community. They offer us not only a day of enjoyment but also a chance to connect, share experiences, and grow together.

Our Food Sovereignty Initiative has achieved great success this season. We extended our farmers market to the Rosebud community, creating more access to fresh, locally grown produce. Our food subscription program was met with enthusiasm before it was even time to sign up, providing fresh garden produce from the Keya Wakpala Garden and other local goods such as coffee and tea.

The efforts of our Food Sovereignty Initiative have not gone unnoticed. Their work has been featured in a documentary called "Digging In," which explores the intricacies of our food systems and who controls them. South Dakota Public Broadcasting also highlighted our initiative in a bison documentary, emphasizing our commitment to sustainability and local support.

As we look to the future, let's continue supporting our local economy, investing in our local businesses, and working together towards a brighter tomorrow. We are looking forward to preparing for the next season's farmers market and more community events!