A Market Way of Living

In 2012 the Agriculture Commission in East Windsor decided to support a new farmers' market in town. Lesley Hickey generously provided space to set up and figure out if it was viable. I attended farmers' markets all over to see how things ran and was a vendor at South Windsor's winter market. 

What my partner Donna and I did not know was that we were not just finding a new activity for weekends, we were making a lifestyle choice. I know that sounds a little lofty for an event that is open for three hours once a week, but it has changed our lives.

First we get the absolute pick of the best foods around, fresher than any grocery store could possibly deliver. Second we meet all kinds of new people, from the musicians in the bands who serenade our market through to the farmers' and farm workers who tote all that great stuff for us to choose from. There is a great deal of camaraderie under those tents. Politics don't matter, good food and fun do. Unique to East Windsor we get to see the trolleys ride to and fro, full of happy children and their parents. And the volunteers at the museum add to the ambiance completely.

My suggestion? Stop by and find some delicacy you haven't tried before or sniff some handmade soaps, but stay a few minutes. Hang around at the picnic tables and people-watch and listen to music or the whistle of the trolley as it trundles down the track. Have a chili dog or some kettle corn and just relax. Have I mentioned the lavender lemonade that we have every couple of weeks? The farmers' market never leaves you longing for some better community, it brings out the best in our community.