New swap meet/farmers’ market gets traction in North Salem

July 29--NORTH SALEM -- The BFE Trading Post just happens to be in Putnam County but the mailbox is in Hendricks County and it has a North Salem address. It's also just around the corner from McCloud Nature Park and is home to the bi-monthly BFE Farms Swap Meet & Farmers' Market.

The "BFE" stands for "Blessings from Earth." The farm itself offers 100 percent grass fed beef, natural organic pork, chicken, jams and jellies, organic artisan breads, organic pasta, soaps, and a variety of handmade items.

Paula Alkire said the focus of the farm is to have a slower paced, less commercial, more organic and natural life. BFE Trading Post participates in several area farmers' markets but this year decided to open its property for other marketers.

"BFE Farms hopes this new market will become a family-friendly Central Indiana destination for bargain shoppers, vintage enthusiasts, and friends of farmers' markets who want fresh, local produce and foods," Alkire said.

The farm offers a concession stand where vendors and shoppers can get a light lunch or snack. The cost to participate in the market is $3 for buying, selling or trading. Children ages 10 and younger are admitted free. This helps with the cost of insurance and offers an inexpensive place for vendors to show off their wares.

The BFE Farms Swap Meet & Farmers' Market kicked off in April and will run until October. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Vendors can show up as early as 7 a.m. to set up. The next market will be Aug. 9.

Anyone interested in setting up a vendor booth can visit the website at www.bfetradingpost.com to submit an application or call Alkire at 459-2250.

BFE Trading Post is at 11388 N. C.R. 900 E., North Salem. It is south of the green iron bridge just around the corner from McCloud Nature Park.

The post also has a Facebook page that will help promote vendors who plan to attend the swap meet/farmers' market. The Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/bfetradingpost.

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