Yesterday was the VIP Grand Opening day for the Midwest Farmer’s Market located at the American Countryside in Elkhart. It was an awesome sight to see the hundreds of people gathered in the world’s largest pegged posted and beam structure. The day opened with the singing of God Bless America, a prayer by Pastor Bob Deering, reflections from some of the founders, and comments by community and national leaders. After all the speeches and such, the VP opened the Market with the ringing of the bell. Hundred of people milled about the three story building, checking out all the various vendors. From organic produce to fine furniture, the Market has space for it all. I even had my first Buffalo Burger and I gotta say, it was pretty good! What impressed me was how the whole event was completely centered on Jesus. Even the beams of the center courtyard are engraved with the various fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians. The founders – LeRoy Troyer and Art Moser love God and are so excited to see the first phase of a 15 year vision. It is going to be exciting to see how God blesses this place in the years to come. I remember when the first beams were set in place a year ago. To see this now is an awesome thing.
Part of the crowd for the opening ceremony. I was up on the third level. From floor to the roof of the cupola, it is 85 feet.
Check out the size of this ceiling fan – it has to be 20′ across!
Incredible! Makes me a little teary eyed to see all that God is doing. Pretty soon the rest of American Country Side will be up and running and life will be in a different mode. I love it, and look forward to hearing more about it! 🙂 Thanks for posting photos of it!