Young entrepreneur ready to sell wares at farmers’ market

Fourteen-year-old Max Habermann has what he thinks is a pretty good gig lined up for this summer: a booth at the Mitchell Area Flea Market & Farmers’ Market, where he’ll sell used golf balls.

“We were just sitting at my gramps’ house trying to think of something we could sell,” Habermann recalled. “We came up with the idea to sell golf balls since we both golf.”

The ninth-grader will try his hand at entrepreneurism with the help of his grandfather, Rube Adam. The pair will split the profits.

“Me and my grandpa worked out a deal,” Habermann said. “A couple of bucks to spend here and there.”

Adam is helping to organize Mitchell’s second annual farmers’ market, set to start June 6 and run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. According to Adam, interest in having a booth at the market is up quite a bit from last year.

“We expect it to be at least twice the size this year,” he said.

“It’s a great way for people to clean out their basements and get some cash.”

Or head to eBay, which is where Habermann purchased the 500 used golf balls he hopes to sell for 50 cents to $1 apiece.

In addition to all the produce and flowers of a typical farmers’ market, Mitchell’s encourages vendors with rummage items and antiques — anything of interest to the public.

“A glorified rummage sale is what we’re hoping for,” said Amy Gough, bookkeeper for the city of Mitchell and JVCC treasurer. “We’re hoping everyone will find a little bit of something.”

Rosedale Colony and Old Elm Springs Colonies will sell bakery items, meats and produce. Individual vendors will offer an assortment of homegrown vegetables, poultry and crafts.

Organizers also hope to bring in a few “special eventers” to attend one or more markets throughout the summer to introduce a business, play music, showcase artwork, host games for kids, make food for customers or show off some live animals.

The main thrust of the market, Adam said, is bargains and fresh produce. He hopes to average 20 to 30 booths each Saturday, a significant boost from last year’s market, when 10 booths constituted a big spread.

Mixed among the standard farmers’ market fare will be novelties, such as Habermann’s golf balls.

“I think it’s going to be fun and it’s going be a good experience. I think it’ll sell and I don’t think it’ll be a waste whatsoever,” Habermann said.

The market will be held at the James Valley Community Center in Mitchell. Each rental space is the size of a parking spot and rents for $10. To receive market guidelines or an application, contact the JVCC at 995-8440.

Tags: farmers market, news