I think if there ever was someone who could convince a Mennonite to star in a reality TV show, it would be JR.

Mennonites are very friendly. They didn't complain once when our camera stole their souls

Today we were in St Jacobs and our show had a Mennonite theme going on. We started out in the country walking down a dirt road along the crop fields. We definitely were having a hard time finding someone out in the middle of that place; the cars that drove by wouldn’t stop or if they did they were not interested in being a TV star. Eventually we wandered up to some farms to find someone to make a star. Most of the Mennonites were not interested in being TV stars at all. Pretty much all of them told us that they didn’t even own a TV.

Well, what can I say? After feeling very discouraged, St. Jacobs turned into my lucky episode. Everything fell into place. The stars, the locations, and the scenarios! It couldn’t have turned out better. Maybe it wasn’t what we had in mind when we decided to do a farm episode, but who cares? What a beautiful town, with the nicest people. I am going to go back for sure! In fact, everyone should go there. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen (and I have been all over the world!)

So we head out to Mennonite country. Mennonite’s are peaceful people and don’t own TV’s.  It was a really hot day, but luckily where we were there was no pavement so it wasn’t as bad. Going farm to farm and striking out every time although some Mennonites did stop and talk to us. Had the best lunch every, too bad you can’t franchise that restaurant. So we head back to the market and we hit pay dirt. Not only do we find our STAR, but a framer too, who is willing to let us go back to his farm. Had so much fun on the farm, brought me back to when I was a kid.

“Mennonites or Men In Tights”

Starting off late we headed off to the beautiful small town… (or was it), of St. Jacobs.  In the middle of nowhere we did the opening on this dirt road. 
The next thing we know there is this black horse and buggy coming down the road.  J.R. stops the buggy and tries to talk the guy “Mennonite” into being followed for the day.  As soon as he was asked the guy took off in a cloud of dust.

Everyone was getting hungry so we went into town were there was well….civilization. 
 
We continued on our search and came across more Mennonites. One stated to J.R. that if he gets put on T.V. Eternal Damnation will follow him.  Well we are all screwed now…as well as you who is reading this blog right now….guess what…you are also screwed.  But you know what; it’s a different way of living.  Hey, one of the things we saw by the side of the road was a neat pile of vegetables and there was a sign that read “Leave money in box”.  Wow is that ever trusting or what.

A truly hot day.  In temperature, that is.  As far as finding a star? Not much luck at first.  Figured we wouldn't find a Mennonite or a farmer right away, but it was getting ridiculous.  We were way behind schedule. Things were tight, we almost gave up.  When it gets that bad, you have to change your approach.

To the St. Jacobs' market we went!  Luck was finally on our side.  We met the one and only diva of the market - dear Margaret of the red hat society!  What a doll...a real generous spirit.  Lots of fun on the farm.  I don't think I've ever seen a tractor do that before.  Favourite JR quote (to Margaret): "You know the movie 'The Graduate'...?"

Just when you think you're finally on a bit of a roll and making television has become a full time and satisfying career, some Mennonite gentleman tells you that you are headed for eternal damnation if you continue choosing to create television shows for a living.

My mom always told me that embracing myself on television is something I
should avoid doing every once and a while but eternal damnation seems a bit more serious.

Hanging out in St. Jacobs all day was awesome. I got to meet lots of good people, we spent some time hanging out at a few different farms and the country style lunch we had was the best.

How I ended up meeting a fake Gucci wearing diva lady in the middle of Mennonite country is still kinda puzzling to me. I was looking for a Mennonite farmer! Margaret was amazing though, a reality television star without a doubt!

I hope everyone who sees this episode stops in at the farmers market in St. Jacobs at some point in their lives just so they can say hi to Margaret and tell her they saw her on TV.