There’s nothing quite like the start of something new.
The first day of school, the first snowfall, and what I found out Saturday, the first Winter Farmers’ Market of the season.
Jon told you last week all about the indoor spot to keep your local buys going through the cold winter months, but previewing and experiencing are two totally different things. I had to see what was happening at the market for myself.
While it was a day that could have easily catered to an outdoor market, I wasn’t all that upset that the warm comforts of the Cole Gardens greenhouse was the place I’d be working on a Saturday.
When I saw people directing cars in the parking lot, I had a feeling that it would be a little crazy inside. Flanked by my trusty sidekicks, my wife, Mary, and 2-year-old daughter, Sophie, I embraced what was sure to be a little chaos. And I’m not even talking about all the people. If you’ve ever gone anywhere with food that looks like it’s free with a 2-year-old, you know what I mean.
We were greeted by the sweet sounds of Don Bartenstein strumming his guitar, while the hustle and bustle of the first market was a sight to behold.
I expected to see plenty of people milling around, but the greenhouse was hopping.
Not only were there lots of great local farms, bakeries and businesses selling their products, but also tons of free samples in the mustard, relish, guacamole, cheese and soup departments. It was like a buffet, just with tiny portions.
We also found fudge, bread, coffee, garlic, honey and even animal bones – for your dog, of course.
The market is home to about 30 vendors each week and will run just about every Saturday through the end of April with the exception of Christmas Eve (that week there’s a Friday market) and New Year’s Eve.
It’s open 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and some of the vendors will even rotate, which means you never quite know what you’ll see.
But don’t take our word for it, go try it yourself.
