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White Bear Lake Farmers Market: ‘Keeping it old-school’
Alleycat’s Manager opens up on addiction, recovery, faith
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Nothing says summer is here like the return of farmers market season. The White Bear Lake Farmers Market, a tradition that dates back to the ’70s, is now in full swing and runs through the last Friday in October. “It originally started to bring people downtown,” explained Mary Helmerick, who has served as the market coordinator for 24 years. All the vendor spots, 48 to be exact, are full for this year, which is not uncommon. “I have a very long waiting list,” Helmerick said. “I never discourage people from getting on list. I encourage that.” That’s because, if a vendor has to cancel, Helmerick will search the list to find a similar vendor. “I don’t go by order they call in, I go by how unique they are,” she explained. Helmerick, who starts planning for the market in January, is always on the hunt for variety. The market does not allow craft items, food trucks, ready-made foods, or businesses trying to promote themselves, such as an insurance agency or window company. The city and the Main Street organization actually have a “no compete” agreement in place, so the market doesn’t compete with downtown businesses. The farmers market also won’t compete with Marketfest. “I like keeping it an
To the many who have seen him, Alleycat’s Gourmet Sandwiches manager Matthew Schirmer is always on duty, helping to serve up gourmet sandwiches, wraps and burgers to customers. To those who know him, a different picture is painted. Underneath is a story of hardship, addiction and a long road to recovery filled with trials and tribulations. But within that story is the power of Schirmer’s persistence and the strength he has found to live his best life possible. “I had to forgive myself for the things I’ve done,” Schirmer said. “It was a big thing for me, as well as making amends. What it took was finally realizing that I was not the person that I was when I put drugs and alcohol in my body. Once I figured that part out, I realized, ‘Hey, I’m a good person.’ I just want to help and give back, and it’s all love.”
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A fly over, music and fireworks are scheduled for Friday, July 4. This year, a couple new platforms will be used during the show, making it feel like the fireworks are coming right out of the lake.
Behind the scenes of White Bear Lake’s Fourth of July fireworks
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Alleycat’s Manager Matt Schirmer (right) has opened up about his struggles with addiction and how he beat the odds to be the man he is today. Schirmer is pictured here with Sak’s Sports Bar/Alleycat’s owner Al Landerville.
At 13, Schirmer developed an addiction to both alcohol and marijuana, which he sold mainly to earn extra money. “I came from a family that didn’t have much money,” he said. “My needs were met, but my wants were a little short-handed. I always wanted more, so I was looking at ways to hustle when I was younger.
What does celebrating the Fourth of July mean to the average White Bear Lake resident? For most, if not all, it involves celebration. Families gather to enjoy outdoor barbecues, games and other slices of community fun. To top off the night, they gather in a public setting to watch the city’s annual fireworks
SEE MATT SCHIRMER, PAGE 15
SEE FIREWORKS, PAGE 9
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When: 8 a.m. to noon Fridays (June through October) Where: Downtown on Clark Avenue between Second and Third streets Details: The market features approximately 50 vendors.
old-school farmers market,” Helmerick said, adding that she grew up on a farm. “I always keep it simple, down to earth and homegrown.” The farmers market is just a small portion of Helmerick’s job as an administrative assistant for the city’s public works department. Although she is not sure why the job falls within the purview of that department, she says she is thankful. “It is by far, my favorite part of the job,” she said. This year’s market features vendors selling items including honey, syrup, jams, wild rice,
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Jennifer Conners, a frequent foster with Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue, shows off a foster puppy named Kilo at the market while selling her homemade dog treats.
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