Deanna R. Hoying leads Symphony New Hampshire, the state’s oldest professional orchestra, known for its blend of classical and modern music and community engagement through music education.
Explain your job and what it entails.
I am involved in all areas of running the organization. This includes interfacing with the public at concerts, working with our board of trustees, strategizing with marketing about our message and our reach, working with our collaborative partners around the state, all development areas … working with our musicians and working in partnership with our music director to create each season of concerts.
How long have you had this job?
I began this position in August 2021, but I have been with Symphony NH since April 2019.
What led you to this career field and your current job?
I have been in music since I was 7. It began with piano lessons, then studying French horn. I have a music performance degree in French horn from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Then I attended Temple University in Philadelphia to do graduate work in music education. I have been in the world of arts administration since 1996. … I have been the director of education for three opera companies — Cincinnati, Arizona and Kentucky — and the director of education and community engagement for the Louisville Orchestra from 2014 to 2018 before moving to Manchester in 2018.
What kind of education or training did you need?
When I began work in arts administration in 1996, it was on-the-job training. I was originally hired at Cincinnati Opera because I had a background as a musician and music educator and could write curriculum. That honed my writing skills to create grant narratives for development departments.
What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?
Daytime at work is very relaxed. We are on a hybrid schedule with typically one day per week in the office. Concert attire is different with a more dressed-up vibe.
What is the most challenging thing about your work, and how do you deal with it?
There are a lot of puzzle pieces in putting together a season. Working with the music director to create concert programs, then finding venues to be able to perform, making sure our librarian/personnel manager has all the information needed to hire musicians, … I try to be very organized and methodical … I do take time for exercise and meditation; that helps me focus on the challenges at hand.
What do you wish other people knew about your job?
Building partnerships and relationships takes time. Rebuilding an audience after Covid has taken time and effort, but we are finally seeing the results of the hard work.
— Angie Sykeny
What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?
It’s important that the community feels a sense of ownership in the organization — it’s their orchestra.
Five favorites Favorite book: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Favorite movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Favorite music: Rush. Favorite songs: “Tom Sawyer,” “Subdivisions” and “Red Barchetta” Favorite food: Sushi Favorite thing about NH: The sense of community
Featured photo: Deanna R. Hoying. Photo credit Sid Ceaser.
School vacation runs Monday, Feb. 26, through Friday, March 1, for many New Hampshire schools and some museums have special hours and activities.
• Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; nhahs.org, 669-4820) will be open Tuesday, Feb. 27, through Thursday, Feb. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as its regular hours of Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., according to a press release. The museum’s Elite Flight Simulator will be operating Tuesday, Feb. 27, and Thursday, Feb. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m.; it simulates the experience of flying a single engine plane and is open to kids ages 12 and up, the release said. For the 12 and unders, there will be a story time on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m., the release said. Admission to the museum costs $10 for ages 13 and above, $5 for 65+, veterans/military and kids ages 6 to 12, and is free for ages 5 and under.
• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2002) has play sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and a session from 9 a.m. to noon on Sundays. Additionally, Friday, March 1, is the “First Friday Play Date” when the museum is also open from 4:15 to 7 p.m. Buy admissions for a time slot online in advance; admission costs $12.50 for adults and children over 12 months, $10.50 for 65+.
The museum will receive visits from the “Tooth Fairy and Furry Friend” (the comfort dog Banks) on Friday, Feb. 23, at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday, Feb. 29, at 10:30 a.m. as part of Dental Health Month.
Friday, March 1, is also Science Friday, with special science-related activities at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $20 for adults, $15 for ages 65+, $15 for students and $5 for ages 13 to 17 (children under 13 get in for free).
• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Dr. in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827) is open daily through Sunday, March 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $12 for adults, $9 for ages 3 to 12, $11 for 65+, and isfree for ages 2 and under, with planetarium shows an additional $6 per person ages 3 and up. Current planetarium shows include 3-2-1 Liftoff, Totality!, The Great Spirit Bear Chase and the Hunt by the Bird People, Tonight’s Sky and CapCom Go! The Apollo Story. See the website for the show schedule.
• SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St. in Manchester; see-sciencecenter.org, 669-0400) is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, for vacation week, Monday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for ages 3 and up. Exhibits include the Lego Millyard, “Sun, Earth, Universe,” Physics Fun, Cooking & Chemistry, Dinosaurs, BiologYou and Bubbles, The Ocean and You.
What do you do with old paperback books? Is there value or are they to be put in recycling?
Thanks, Donna, for any help.
Cindy
Dear Cindy,
Antique books and even more modern books are in a field of their own. I might be able to give you some information. You might also want to try a used bookstore or do some online research on each book, the value of which will depend on the author, the specific title, whether it is signed by the author and other factors. Then remember as always condition matters. I would think this rule follows all books through the ages.
Your Western books look fun and interesting to read. Figure out how many editions there were of each book as well as those other factors to see if some could be worth trying to sell. If not, you could donate them to a library or used bookstore or recycle them. I prefer donation, so someone else could enjoy reading them.
Thanks, Cindy, for sharing, I hope you find a new home for your books — or maybe even a tiny treasure in the pile.
The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities
• “Voice of the city”: Positive Street Art (48 Bridge St., 3rd floor, in Nashua; positivestreetart.org) will host “Vicus Vox” open mic night on Friday, Feb. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $5 for spectators and participants — bring comedy, poetry, singing and more, according to a post on the organization’s Facebook page. All ages are welcome and the content must be all-ages-friendly, the post said. Sign up at tinyurl.com/4ckh3pzp.
• Spend your time at the Frank Lloyd Wright houses: The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org) is looking for volunteers to give tours of its two Frank Lloyd Wright houses, according to a recent newsletter. A training class for volunteers begins in March. Fill out an application at currier.org/volunteer.
• 19th-century magic: Andrew Pinard, performer and founder of the Hatbox Theatre, will inhabit 19th-century magician Jonathan Harrington at the Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St. in Portsmouth; playersring.org, 436-8123) for Jonathan Harrington — 19th Century Magician with performances Friday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2:30 pm. Tickets cost $28, $25 for students and seniors.
Al Jaeger Potter, ceramist and juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen Al Jaeger will give an art talk titled “A Life With Wood Fire” on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 4 p.m. the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center (Alumni Hall at Saint Anselm College in Manchester; anselm.edu/chapelart). Jaeger will discuss his life as an artist and his technique, according to a press release.
• Why Worry? In March: A screening of the 1923 silent comedy Why Worry? was rescheduled from Feb. 18 to Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at Wilton Town Hall Theatre (40 Main St. in Wilton). The movie stars Harold Lloyd and will feature live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, according to a press release. Admission is free but a suggested $10 per person donation is accepted, the release said.
• Basket craft: The League of NH Craftsmen’s Nashua Gallery is offering a class making a round Cherokee-style storage basket on Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class will be taught by Ruth Boland at Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon; register at snbornmills.org. The fee is $250 plus a $60 materials fee, according to a press release.
• Save the date for fiddles: The New Hampshire Fiddle Ensemble announced a spring schedule for concerts in New Hampshire and Maine, according to a press release. Granite State concerts include Friday, May 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St. in Rochester); Saturday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Interlakes High School Auditorium (1 Laker Lane in Meredith); Saturday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Exeter Town Hall (9 Front St.) and Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. at the Derryfield School (2108 River Road in Manchester). The ensemble features fiddles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, basses, harps, cellos and more, according to the release. See nhfiddleensemble.org for tickets.
• Maker market: Cottage Place at Squam Lake (1132 Route 3 in Holderness; cottageplaceonsquam.com) will hold a Squam Lake Vintage & Makers Market on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission is $5. The market will feature vendors, live music, food and a mobile bar, according to an email.
• Film fest news: The Music Hall in Portsmouth officially takes over the New Hampshire Film Festival for its 22nd annual outing, according to a press release from Jan. 30. The four-day festival will run Oct. 17 through Oct. 20. The call for entries to the festival, for film and screenplay submissions, is open and can be made via nhfilmfestival.com, the release said
‘Stories of the Sea’ Theatre Kapow (tkapow.com) presents On the Exhale, a full-length drama that “offers a complex examination of America’s gun violence crisis,” at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) on Friday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., according to a press release. Carey Cahoon, Kapow co-founder and managing director, will play the sole character in the show. Tickets to the show cost $33.75 ($26.75 for seniors & students). The Sunday, Feb. 18, show will feature ASL Interpretation as well as a post-show conversation about the impact of gun violence on New Hampshire, according to Theatre Kapow’s website. The play will also run Friday, March 1, through Sunday, March 3, at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith. See tkapow.com for tickets to either show.
Among the most well-regarded of Gustav Mahler’s nine symphonies is his second. Commonly called the Resurrection Symphony, it’s a daunting work. For Mark Latham, conductor and musical director of The Phil — the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra — scale is a big reason he’s drawn to it.
“It’s not very often done because it’s just so large and it’s a challenge to get all the forces in place,” Latham said by phone recently. “But I think it’s actually the dream of probably all conductors — the challenge of this incredible masterpiece.”
Latham promised an “immersive” experience when The Phil performs Mahler’s Second Symphony in C Minor at two afternoon shows, on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.
“There are gigantic forces involved,” he said. “A huge orchestra, gigantic percussion, an off-stage band, a chorus of about 80 or 90, and two soloists. I think the audience can’t help but get immersed.”
The upcoming performance will feature two guest solo vocalists. Alto Hannah Murray is a Plymouth State University faculty member, and soprano Dr. Evangelia Leontis is from Keene State University. As the combined choirs from both schools are also performing, “it seemed appropriate and sensible to use their own faculty,” Latham said. “I have worked with both of them; they both have fabulous voices.”
The Keene State Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Sandra Howard, is non-auditioned and open to all students regardless of major. Plymouth State’s includes both students and community members in its non-auditioned University Chorale. Conversely, the Chamber Singers are an auditioned ensemble that tours nationally and internationally. Both are directed by Harmony Markey.
Despite its name, the Resurrection Symphony isn’t a Christian work; most biographers say the Jewish born composer was agnostic, though it does explore life, death, and death’s transcendence. Mahler, who was born in the mid-19th century and had siblings who died in infancy, was captivated by the topic of death.
“One of the games that he and his brothers and sisters would play would be to reenact funeral marches — a natural thing as kids, right?” Latham said, adding that Mahler wrote a piece called Polka and Funeral March before he was 10. “Even from a very young age, he was concerned with dying … how we can better live through understanding what death means, and what happens after death.”
Finishing the symphony was difficult for Mahler, who got stuck on choosing a text for the choral section in the final movement (stirringly recreated in the Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro). Before that, he’d shared the first section with renowned conductor Hans von Bülow, who didn’t like it; he covered his ears. “This sent Mahler into a big funk,” Latham said. “He didn’t compose for quite a while after that.”
When Bülow died, though, a reading of Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock’s poem “Die Auferstehung (The Resurrection)” at his funeral finally gave Mahler clarity. “That was the a-ha moment for him,” Latham said. “He raced back and began finishing the final movement.”
For Latham, the Resurrection Symphony “is an incredible journey … an exploration of the big themes of our lives.” He offered his thoughts on its five stages.
“The first movement is as long as a Beethoven symphony; its original name is Funeral Rites, and in a way, it’s the funeral of the hero that he presented in his first symphony,” he said. “Then it just goes from there, there’s a lovely, gentle, what’s called a Ländler, a German dance, in the second movement, then Saint Anthony and the Fish in the third movement,” which includes a song from a set of Mahler poems.
“Philosophically, it’s expressing in a way what seems to be the senselessness of human existence,” Latham said. “Saint Anthony goes to preach and the church in Padua is empty; then he goes and preaches to the fishes. They’re swimming about, and don’t pay much attention either. The actual song is hilarious.”
The fourth movement, Primordial Light, “is really pure and angelic,” and includes Murray’s alto solo. An apocalyptic vision commences the first half of the fifth movement, “followed by looking at what resurrection might mean — even if you’re not Christian, in fact. It’s just a gigantic voice, and you get swept up. Before you know it, it’s almost over. It’s fantastic.”
Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony When: Saturday, Feb. 24, and Sunday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m. Location: Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Dr., Salem Tickets: $5 to $35 at nhpo.booktix.com
Winter farmers markets offer a taste of sunnier seasons
Farmers markets aren’t just for the warmer months; some continue to operate through the winter, featuring a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts.
Via email, organizers and vendors discussed how these markets adapt to the colder season and what unique offerings they bring to the community.
Concord Farmers Market
Brenda White, with input from her fellow organizers for the Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market, discussed how this season is going.
How has this year’s winter farmers market differed from previous years in terms of vendor participation and customer attendance?
This year, our fledgling market has grown in visibility through our social media advertising and new signs that are more visually appealing and draw the attention of passersby. We worked with a local Concord artist, RS Creative, who designed our fresh, new logo. Attendance is up from an average of 275 customers to roughly 425 customers. We have gained some wonderful vendors to add to a diverse offering. The produce and products that you can find range from fish, meats and eggs to fresh microgreens, root veggies, fresh baked treats and bread. We have vendors who make wonderful soaps, lotions, candles and dog treats. We even have a vendor with fresh cut winter flowers … and microbrews and wine. There is such a wide variety of local goodness.
What unique challenges does operating a farmers market in the winter present, and how have you and the vendors adapted to these conditions?
Finding a location that works for all patrons and gives us enough space to set up. We are grateful for the generosity that Stephen Duprey has gifted this market in its early years by giving us a location to have a market to provide easy access for customers to obtain amazing local products. 7 Eagle Square is a bright, beautiful open space with two levels of shopping. It is a great location for folks who are either choosing to walk around downtown or park close by for quick easy in and out.
Can you share some success stories or particularly popular initiatives from this year’s winter market?
Manus Basket: Every Saturday we have a basket set up to gather donations to support families in need of food. So we have partnered with The Boys & Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire. How it works is that each market Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market purchases food from vendors at the market to place in the cooler or basket for the Boys & Girls Club. We have budgeted a certain amount a week to spend. In addition to that, customers and vendors purchase or donate items to add to the basket and cooler as well while they shop. This supports the vendors as well as helping our local community.
We were excited to host a sing-along with Santa in December this year. It was well-received and fun for the customers’ children and families. … As always, the Merrimack County Conservation District has continued to offer its Granite State Market Match and Veteran Value Bucks programs. Through the Granite State Market Match, SNAP/EBT recipients can double the amount they are spending on food items offered at the market. For example, if $20 is charged to a SNAP card, the recipient will receive $40 in vouchers to spend on food items. The Veteran Value Bucks program provides $20 to veterans and active service members once a month to shop for any items at the market. These programs allow more customers to visit our market, while also keeping more dollars local. It’s a win for everyone.
How important are winter farmers markets for the vendors’ businesses, and what role do they play in the local community during the colder months?
There are very few markets in the winter months, and it is not easy for vendors to get their products out to consumers on their own during the winter months without this farmers market community. The market provides a central location with easy access for the public to get all their needs in one location. We have a variety of meats including traditional beef, pork, lamb, chicken, fish and now a new vendor who provides ostrich. We have cheeses, yogurt, beer, soaps, bread, pastries, gluten-free pastries and bread, vegetables, syrup, honey, jams, eggs, beef chips, mushrooms, coffee, microgreens, dog food, popcorn, nuts, soft pretzels, rolls and flowers. These amazing vendors are local and love to support and help their communities and provide fresh locally grown/made products.
What measures have you implemented to encourage community engagement and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors during the winter season?
We are fortunate that we can use the Storr Street parking garage’s top level to park and use the ramp to bring products down to 7 Eagle Square easily for setup. Customers can use the garage’s top level as well during business hours of the market. The building has an elevator so that patrons can access both floors of the market easily if they prefer not to use the stairs. Walkways and the courtyard are maintained well to be sure that the area is free of ice and snow so customers have easy and safe access to the building. We also have local musicians who are scheduled by NH Music Collective to entertain at the market to add another family-friendly feel to the experience.
Looking forward, are there any new plans or ideas you’re excited to introduce to the winter farmers market in future seasons?
We hope to have a new permanent location in the future that will give us more space and make it even more convenient for customers to join us.
Joyberry Farms
Amy Joyce and Brad Ikenberry of Joyberry Farms, based in Mason, joyberryfarms.com. Find them at the winter Salem NH Farmers Market.
Joyberry Farms. Courtesy photo.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you offer at the winter farmers market?
We are the owners of Joyberry Farms, a small family-owned and -operated farm in Mason. We cultivate fresh mushrooms and create unique mushroom products. At the markets you can find a variety of fresh mushrooms each week, as well as a variety of dried products like mushroom coffee, teas, dried mushroom soups and risotto. We also make wellness mushroom powders.
How has this year’s market been for your business in terms of customer attendance and sales trends?
The sales in the winter tend to drop a little bit, due to attendance and weather. However, each year, as we grow, we also see a rise in our sales trends from repeat and new customers that love our products.
What unique challenges and opportunities does the winter market present for you?
The cold weather definitely makes farming a lot harder, but it also gives us time to slow down and be more creative.
How do you adapt your offerings or business strategy for the winter season?
Mushrooms, like vegetables, grow differently in each season. We offer different ‘cold weather’ mushrooms in the winter than in the summer, but some varieties grow all year-round.
What are the main benefits of participating in the winter market for your business?
Although our summer season is packed with farmers markets, we do attend a few winter markets which helps keep our business running year-round.
What is a popular item or service that draws customers to your stall at the winter market?
Our fresh mushrooms remain our top seller; however, in the winter we get an influx of sales from our soups, risotto, coffee and teas.
Blakeney’s Bakery
Brenda White, Blakeney’s Bakery, based in Contoocook, blakeneysbakery.com. Find them at the Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you offer at the winter farmers market?
Blakeney’s Bakery has a large variety of breads, scones, cookies, soft pretzels, whoopie pies, lemon bars and cookies.
How has this year’s market been for your business in terms of customer attendance and sales trends?
Each year has grown in customers and sales.
What unique challenges and opportunities does the winter market present for you?
Weather can be a challenge, especially if it keeps customers from coming out.
How do you adapt your offerings or business strategy for the winter season?
Really don’t have to do much. We make seasonal products and create new flavors of bread sometimes just from customer suggestions. We don’t make as many products during the winter market as the customer base is significantly smaller due to summer guests and residents who leave for the winter.
What are the main benefits of participating in the winter market for your business?
Being able to provide a great product for our customers and to … work with other vendors to support them by pairing their products with ours when possible.
What is a popular item or service that draws customers to your stall at the winter market?
Our variety of bread flavors and scones. We strive to have savory, sweet and salty options to meet a variety of needs that our customers have.
HorseFeathers Ostrich Farm
Monte and Alison Cossette. HorseFeathers Ostrich Farm, based in Webster, horsefeathersostrichfarm.com. Find them every other Saturday (next date March 2) at the Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you offer at the winter farmers market?
My husband and I started our ostrich farm several years ago. We’ve been growing our farm, breeding stock, and now are excited to be able to offer USDA ostrich meat for the first time both locally and through online sales. This is our first season participating in farmers market and we have been thrilled with this market.
What unique challenges and opportunities does the winter market present for you?
Since we are offering a product that not as many people are familiar with, the amount of customers going through the market is very important for us. The more people we can show and teach about ostrich meat, the more sales and repeat customers we can have.
How do you adapt your offerings or business strategy for the winter season?
Currently we are bringing a small amount of meat and only a few types of meat cuts; we are hoping to be part of the summer market and have more offerings.
What are the main benefits of participating in the winter market for your business?
As a new business it is amazing to have people to talk to about our product. All organizers of the group have been amazingly helpful as we get started with our farmers markets and our business.
What is a popular item or service that draws customers to your stall at the winter market?
In our booth we have a display of ostrich egg shells with a fake ostrich head. That seems to really pique interest for people and get them over to the booth. The egg shells can be used for decorations and arts, but the display is a great starting point to bring people to the table and start talking about the meat.
Arándano Farm and Gluten Free or Die Bakery
Arándano Farm and Gluten Free or Die Bakery. Courtesy photo.
Paul Gareau and Angela Letelier, Arándano Farm and Gluten Free or Die Bakery, Belmont, arandano.farm, gfordie.com. Find them at the Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you offer at the winter farmers market?
It’s our first year as vendors in Concord; generally we attend other markets in Belknap County and we’ll be running three new markets in 2024. Our farm offers organic-fed chicken, grass-fed pork, eggs, vegetables and microgreens. The bakery offers celiac-safe gluten-free baked goods.
What unique challenges and opportunities does the winter market present for you?
Our area mostly offers summer markets, so the winter market helps us sell our products throughout the winter.
How do you adapt your offerings or business strategy for the winter season?
Less emphasis on grilling, more on meal prep.
What are the main benefits of participating in the winter market for your business?
Income throughout winter months and expanded customer base.
What is a popular item or service that draws customers to your stall at the winter market?
Our main attraction is no-compromised gluten-free baked goods, and we have a following for our chicken and pork as well.
Pastry Dream
Ann and Roger Baril of Pastry Dream are based in Derry. Find them at the Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market and the winter Salem NH Farmers Market.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you offer at the winter farmers market?
We sell individually sized pastries called Dreams. Some call them small pies. Our flavor selection ranges from lemon curd and raspberry to chocolate/peanut butter to our brand new Key lime. We presently offer nine flavors — something for everyone.
How has this year’s market been for your business in terms of customer attendance and sales trends?
We have already seen an increase over last year.
What unique challenges and opportunities does the winter market present for you?
A challenge we experience each year is New Year’s resolutions and the fact that everyone eats too much over the holiday season and cuts back for a time especially in January. Our opportunity is that farmers markets allow us the opportunity to present our products to those who may not have tasted them before.
How do you adapt your offerings or business strategy for the winter season?
For the winter season we offer a pecan pie Dream and a ginger/spice cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting along with all of our other items.
What are the main benefits of participating in the winter market for your business?
Feedback from customers is a huge benefit of being at the farmers markets. We have a lemon curd and a raspberry and many customers suggested that we put the two flavors together. We did, and the lemon/raspberry is one of our best sellers. We’ve also been asked to create a Key lime dream, which we are now offering and is a great success.
What is a popular item or service that draws customers to your stall at the winter market?
We offer samples, which give new customers the opportunity to taste our flavors before buying. This makes a big difference, because once you taste the filling flavors you have to have more.
KYS Food for Dogs
Sonia Javier Obinger of KYS Food for Dogs, based in Sandown. Find them at the Downtown Concord Farmers Market and the winter Salem NH Farmers Market.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you offer at the winter farmers market?
I started preparing whole-food recipes because of my interest in providing the best nutrition for my three pugs and a Boston terrier. I began researching, taking classes and using my experience to develop whole-food recipes for them. There would even be times when my friends would come over and ask what was cooking because it smelled so good. I said it was my dog’s dinner. So fast forward 16-plus years of testing, making mistakes, re-testing and friends’ support, I started KYS Whole Food for Dogs. Our recipes are created in small batches, bone broth braised with organic ingredients sourced from local farms sold fresh/frozen in compostable packages at farmers markets, online and retail. Recipes offer seasonally harvested organic vegetables with pasture-raised chicken or grass-fed beef, organ meat, seaweed, hempseed or flaxseed, providing dogs with a nutritious, complete meal. KYS ingredients are sourced from local farms like Vernon Family in Newfields. They provide the chicken for Tilly’s Pastured Chicken recipe. The organic vegetables in this recipe are grown and harvested by Heron Pond in Hampton, Two Farmers Farm in Scarborough, Maine, and Brandmoore Farm in Rollinsford.
How has this year’s market been for your business in terms of customer attendance and sales trends?
This is my first season with Downtown Concord Farmers Market, so I am still working on brand awareness. With the Salem NH Farmers Market this is my third winter market and this market has grown, especially at its new location at LaBelle Winery.
What unique challenges and opportunities does the winter market present for you?
I think the opportunities are that they are indoors, thus providing customers access to a great variety of vendors. I think the biggest challenge is New England weather, which this year has been relatively calm.
How do you adapt your offerings or business strategy for the winter season?
Since my recipes are based on harvest availability, root vegetables — carrots, winter squash, cranberries, for example — are used in the winter. Once the spring/summer season starts we have more greens, summer squash, blueberries, etc. So all year my customers have a diverse nutritional diet.
What are the main benefits of participating in the winter market for your business?
The benefits are that we still have access to our summer customers as well as meeting new ones. Plus it is warmer than being outside.
What is a popular item or service that draws customers to your stall at the winter market?
I think both Jake’s Grass fed Beef and Tilly’s Pastured Chicken recipes are equally popular. I have recently been testing with some of my customers’ liver truffles, which are another whole food product for those who want to provide a healthy treat for the dog.
