Skyhooks wrote:
> More than likely, nearly everyone on RFC has access to a local
> farmers' market where they can shop for seasonal items. What is your
> favorite item(s) from a farmers' market and what draws you there?
>
> I always look forward to the local sweet corn coming in. The corn is
> always picked the evening before, so it can't really get fresher than
> that (unless one has their very own corn field <g>). The vendor
> brings a large farm truck with its flat-bed full of green corn on the
> cobs and parks it at the Market. Customers then select the ears of
> corn they want straight from the truck. The cost is usually around
> $1 per 6 ears of corn. Don't know the current price yet for this
> season.
>
> In addition to corn, I like the fresh fruits like strawberries,
> peaches, and raspberries. There's also a vendor for local honey, so
> I buy a bit from him every year. And one lady vendor at the market
> makes wonderful apples pies, luckily the small ones too
>
> One reason I like shopping at local farmers' market is because I like
> to support local and regional businesses, especially the small family
> businesses. Plus, it's nice to know the true source of the foods,
> whether produce, dairy, meat, and other merchandise.
>
> Another fun feature is the entertainment factor. There are always a
> few musicians who play during Market hours. Some of them are school
> kids practicing and trying to make a buck at the same time, where
> others are more full of character (think Dick Van Dyke's character in
> Marry Poppins). Anything from classical to blue grass to funky.
>
> Not to mention, there's usually some group or another affiliated with
> some political or non-political movement requesting signatures for
> petitions. Other various non-profit and profit organzations have
> information 'canopies' where brochures and mailing lists are
> available.
>
> Farmers' Markets are always fun. Visiting them is often a good way to
> learn information about local goings-on.
>
> Sky, who's off to the Market <g>

The farmer's market here is quite limited and very dull. I buy various
squash, broccoli, green beans, tomatoes, peas. Corn on the cob, although
they are often busily using this big machine that removes the kernels so
they can sell corn OFF the cob! (Eeek, don't do that, I want my corn *on*
the cob!)

In the summer there is more watermelon than you can shake a stick at and I
don't like the taste of watermelon. Don't care for cantaloupe or others,
either. Grapes are hard to find. Sometimes there are peaches or
nectarines. There is no music, no extra anything. Just a bunch of bins of
veggies and some fruit and people standing around looking hot and bored.

Jill