09/29/2026
I’ve been trying to figure out what to say. I’m notoriously wordy, so I’ve been sitting here with a blank page open, ready to convert the seemingly countless thoughts and emotions into powerful words. But for some reason, all I keep coming up with is “THANK YOU!”
So that’s what I’ll go with.
“THANK YOU!” to all of the Greenshirts that make up the Service League of Cherokee County, especially Emili and Jaimie. These two ladies have found very special places in my life, beyond the chaos of Riverfest. On the field, they’re Greenshirts. But throughout the rest of the year, they’re friends I adore. They support me through Baking to Beat Cancer, but also when I take off the yellow and become simply Lisa, the person behind it all.
“THANK YOU!” to the incredible women of the Service League, for giving me a chance and selecting me to be a vendor not just once, but time and time again for five consecutive years.
“THANK YOU!” to my dream team, Susan and Becky (it won’t let me tag her), two friends who have repeatedly stepped up and helped me in immense ways. They’ve not just assisted in production, when my body was failing me, but they’ve provided tremendous mental support, as well. They’ve hustled relentlessly through their own pains and fatigue, without expecting anything in return. There is absolutely no way I could have remained a Riverfest vendor as long as I have, without their help and support.
“THANK YOU!” to my other friends who have repeatedly come out to see me. Lori, Taylor, Nicolette, Anna, and the many others I can’t seem to tag.
“THANK YOU!” to the members of my medical team that not only repeatedly patch me back together, mentally and physically, but come out to see me in a show of support. To be seen as a person and not just a patient means so much to me.
“THANK YOU!” to my customers, both the new and those who have come out to see me and buy from me year after year. Over the last 5 years, I’ve met some truly amazing people that have loyally purchased from me and supported my cause. I’ve started each day with a visit from the same kind gentleman. I’ve come to look for the familiar faces whose names I may not know, but I definitely recognize their faces. I’ve met some fellow Cajuns with whom I share a “Who Dat” camaraderie and watched their family expand and their children grow. They’re the ones who have turned my little side gig into a success.
“THANK YOU!” for sharing your most intimate, sometimes painful stories of cancer. I have found it a true honor to celebrate your victories and mourn your losses with you all. To be trusted with such deeply personal experiences and emotions is never a role I take lightly, and I sincerely appreciate being someone with whom you felt comfortable sharing.
“THANK YOU” to the other vendors that showed me immense kindness, both the ones I knew from other events years before and those I met through Riverfest.
“THANK YOU” to Rocco's Pub Jasper Ga, Clayton Food Store, and every single person who purchased paper ribbons to benefit the Mighty Millie Foundation.
“THANK YOU” to Nick and Claire of the Mighty Millie Foundation, for allowing me to be a part of your mission. It has truly been such an honor these last several years to be part of an event so dedicated to bettering the lives of Cherokee County’s children, while simultaneously helping the Mracek’s spread “small moments of big joy” to kids fighting cancer nationwide.
“THANK YOU!”
I do hate leaving; I really do. I’ve been a vendor for 5 wonderful, amazing years and would love to continue doing so for many more. I dislike being put in a position where I have to walk away from such a great event with a truly important cause. Closing a meaningful chapter of your life is never easy, especially when you feel the decision has been forced upon you by unfortunate circumstances. And in this case, it’s just become far too much work for me to handle. I’ve always been a “one woman show” but have had to rely on friends to help more and more each year. It just finally reached the point when I realized I couldn’t continue participating in an event this big.
That doesn’t mean I’m closing shop, by any means! My plans now are to take some time off, before returning to the Jasper Farmers Market next season. That’s where I started Baking to Beat Cancer and where I will return. Perhaps I’ll spend the upcoming downtime fixing my online store, so I can also fulfill online orders again, too. In the meantime, I just need to rest and recover for a bit.
It has truly been a wild ride these last five years, and despite the very literal blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put into it, I don’t regret any of it for a moment. On the contrary, I will always look back on these years as some of the best I’ve ever experienced, with a great appreciation for all the people who made it possible. I feel I’ve grown a great deal as a person, and I will forever be grateful for the experiences.
“THANK YOU!” for reading my long speech. 😉
“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!” to you all, for everything you’ve given me these last few years!
My tenure at Riverfest has officially come to an end; hopefully I’ll see some of you at the Jasper market next year. And if not, maybe I’ll see you next Riverfest, when I return on the other side of the tables as a customer!
💛💛💛
