< Omnivore's Dilemma | Main | Too many options >

Opening Day at the Market !

Posted at 8:16 PM on May 4, 2008 by Donna McClurkan (4 Comments)

The Kalamazoo Farmers' Market sparkled yesterday, thanks to the efforts of our Market Master, Pat. Tables were freshly painted and new signs welcomed visitors. And Saturday was the perfect day to kick off the new season - sunny, breezy and a bit on the cool side.

Opening day was especially fun for me because I volunteered to work with Elizabeth (aka the Market Goddess) at the People's Food Co-op table. She "showed me the ropes" on running the cash register and keeping the table stocked. Her pitch to passers-by to"try a sample of our stinky cheese!" was so effective, we sold out of locally made Garlic 'n Onion Gouda by mid-morning. I made a quick trip to the Co-op store for another stash to meet demand.

It's a bit too early for local produce, and what was available didn't last long. The only grower to offer asparagus sold out by 9:30, and a few early market mavens will be enjoying micro-greens and salad fixings from Dennis and Genevive at Blue Dog Greens.

Here's Jeff from Hillside Heirlooms talking with a customer about one of many varieties of heirloom tomatoes he started from seeds. They will be wonderful later this season.

And here's Dave posing proudly next to his sign:

My 4 hour shift was over in a flash, and it was great to make some new acquaintances and connect with old friends. Fans of Locavore Nation and our EatLocalSWMich listserv stopped by the table to introduce themselves, and some showed off their local food finds. Over and over throughout the morning I heard the same thing as waves of market-goers flowed by: "isn't it great the market has finally opened!"

Yes, indeed.

Comments (4)

I didn't make it to the opening day of the market, but was there last Sat. I have had a large garden most of my life, but as time and families change, so goes gardening. I am working on a hoop house to a have a small garden and then to go to the Farmers market more often. I to would like to eat more locally! Thanks for the blog!
Wil

Posted by Will Reding | May 12, 2008 10:35 AM

Dear Will - it's a THRILL to know you are reading Locavore Nation! I know you from an excellent environment program you conducted for our church a while back. If you can make it, stop by the People's Food Co-op table this coming Sat. (May 17), say hello and maybe try a cheese sample. I'll be there from 8-12.
Donna

Posted by Donna McClurkan | May 12, 2008 2:40 PM

Such memories of Saturday mornings past.... I live in Florida now where seasons are turned around and the growing season is the winter. I search out farms in the area selling local produce which always tastes so much better. I don't have a freezer so haven't been able to purchase meat which would have to be at least 1/4 of a cow, although I used to do that when I lived on the west side of Kalamazoo. I had an egg lady who would leave off eggs and whatever produce she had that week and after the PCB scare, supplied me with all my beef for some years until she was unable to continue her egg route. I really miss that!

I am visiting my daughter in July and will have to take a trip down memory lane and spend some time at the Farmer's Market. I'll buy bunches of flowers and warm, golden peaches if they have them...

Posted by Joan Garneau | May 14, 2008 2:20 PM

Joan - I'm glad this post brought back fond memories for you. Thank you so much for sharing them and your description of warm peaches. Enjoy your July visit and I hope you get in at least a couple trips to the market.
Donna

Posted by Donna McClurkan | May 14, 2008 6:09 PM