Sold Out in 4 Minutes

NEWPORT--While some were pepper-spraying fellow shoppers to keep them away from half-price video games, a half dozen neighbors in Newport, VT were waiting peacefully in line at their local independent food store, hugging bags of spinach and discussing consumption, food, and the madness of "the holiday." The group, which included Brickhouse artists, community organizers, and a local lunch lady, purchased the store's entire supply of Berry Creek Farm spinach in the first 4 minutes of business, as well as other provisions like eggs and quinoa to complete their spinach recipe of choice.

But the Green Friday bliss wasn't without its own moment of tension. When the sixth and final shopper, Occupy organizer Diane Peel, arrived late to find all of the spinach taken, a brief panic ensued over who could be first to give Diane one of their extra bags. Shouts of "I have more than I need, take mine!" were met with equally vociferous accusations of "You always share what you have, let me do it for a change!" Diane, eager to make peace, quickly plucked the nearest bag of spinach and after a few sharp smiles between other shoppers, calm returned to the store. Around 8:30, calm walked out of the store with 6 different people, travelling throughout Newport for the rest of the morning.

Enjoy these photos of the first ever Green Friday, and remember: it doesn't have to be me vs. you vs. everybody else. It's just spinach.

Thanks Gerard!

Brickhouse artists Khristopher Flack and Andrew Traverso-Estes wait with Green Friday inserts in front of Newport Natural Foods, ready to "bust the doors." 

Andrew boxes out Orleans Elementary Food Service Director Rosie Pallotta to get his hands on what the Newport Daily called "the must have green stuff."

Khris comes to the rescue