It’s only been a year since Shawn and Gerry Fiegelist opened their urban homesteading store, City Folk’s Farm Shop and the shop has seen much growth.
“We honestly weren’t sure what the response would be,” says Shawn Fiegelist. “Urban homesteading is a growing trend so some customers are new and some have been doing it for years. Meeting Columbus’ urban homesteaders and learning about their ventures is a great source of information and inspiration for us. The folks who come through our doors are always friendly, understanding and encouraging and it is a pleasure to come to work and see them every day.”
Much of what they stock in the store is based on customer requests. “We typically buy in smaller lots and let the customer decide what is stocked in the shop,” she says.
With the fluctuations the seasons bring, the shop is constantly in change. “New opportunities are placed in front of us daily and I hope that we are able to take advantages of those as much as possible,” says Fiegelist.
The one constant is that most customers are interested in being sustainable, whether that means gardening and growing their own food, beekeeping, or finding other ways to save money such as making their own household and personal care products.
In response to their customers, City Folk’s has expanded class offerings and have also been instrumental in creating a group that meets regularly to discuss raising chickens. The group, Columbus City Chickens recently organized a walking tour of Clintonville Chicken Coops and is discussing future tours.
They’ve also begun working with a local blacksmith who designs and makes triangular dinner bells, s hooks for hanging planters, and is exploring a new line of hand tools.
“He is great to work with because he is willing to try anything!” says Fiegelist.
First year celebrations for City Folk’s Farm Shop begin today and will go through Sunday. There is a silent auction that includes a pressure cooker, rain barrel, chick incubator, tools, books, gardening items and more. Bidding for auction items will end on Saturday, March 23.
The Schedule:
Tuesday, March 19 – First chicks of the season arrive! Pre-order by Thursday for this batch with the online form or by contacting us in the store.
Wednesday, March 20 – We will honor our actual anniversary day by opening up bids on our silent auction items. Swing by to see what is up for auction, have a piece of birthday cake from Mozart’s Café and 10% of all purchases Wednesday will go to fund our latest project – support of a community garden!
Thursday, March 21 – Homestead Tool/Equipment Swap from 4-7 pm. Here is an opportunity for you to trade or swap a homesteading item you no longer use for something you might find more beneficial. And, a good way to meet fellow canners, fermenters, and backyard animal keepers.
Friday, March 22 – Receive discounts on all chicken-related items and register to win one year’s worth of chicken feed (some restrictions apply)!
Saturday, March 23 – Breakfast is served from 10-11:00. Come in to break bread with like minded folks while trading tips and maybe a little gossip. Local pasture raised eggs from Snapp Farms and muffins from Sassafras Bakery will be served.
City Folk’s Farm Shop is located at 4760 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214. Hours are: closed on Monday; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-6, Thursday from 10-7, Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 12-4. Visit them online at cityfolksfarmshop.com.