On Sunday, April 8th, I went to Grand Island’s spring farmers’ market. It was held at the Knights of Columbus hall.
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| All of this yummy stuff is made locally |
It is a plain room, but the market itself is magical, with its array of baked goods, eggs, meats, olive oil, vinegar, honey, maple syrup, and other treats that were available to be purchased. People enjoy the farmers’ market. It has been recognized as something that enhances the community by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, which has awarded Grand Island Farms, Inc., (the organization that runs the farmers’ market) a citizen of the year award. It was recognized for “agricultural development.”
What makes the farmers’ market a beautiful thing? I wanted to get that perspective from the point of view of the people selling those wonderful agricultural products.
For one thing, there’s maple syrup.
The real stuff, not the imitation stuff that is attractive because of the price, but has nothing in it that would resemble maple syrup. When I was a kid, we used to eat the stuff. My dad called it Sigh-ROOP. Once he discovered real maple syrup, we started eating that, and there was no going back to the fake stuff (probably just sugar water).
Sue and her son, a middle school student, were selling maple syrup in very attractive glass bottles. Sue kindly agreed to answer my questions.
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| Sue and her son appreciate the delicious flavor of the maple syrup that is produced at their family’s farm in Watertown. |
family has been doing maple syrup for generations. We decided to bottle the
maple syrup so we could sell it to individuals, as opposed to bigger companies.
trees that you tap? How does it work?
is actually in Watertown, and we live on the Island. The trees are out there,
on their farm.
like doing this, what makes you happiest about it?
doing it because it’s fresh maple syrup. Nothing is added to it. No
fertilizers. No GMO crap that they’re always talking about. It’s pure maple
syrup. I prefer the glass bottles. I like the glass better because it’s better
for the syrup when it’s hot.
it, too. It gets them to learn something different than playing video games and
sitting inside, watching TV.
about the beauty that’s in this stuff, in the creativity here in the farm
market. Absolutely. You have the homemade jams and jellies, Amish honey and
maple syrup. But if you look deeper: people like to know where their food comes
from. They like to know that their products were raised in an ethical way. It
brings a sense of community. It encourages people to come to our farmers’ market.
little community here. People come here and sit down for a bite to eat. They
are doing their shopping here, with their neighbors. That’s one nice thing
about the farmers market, beyond the great items that we sell here.
exactly is your part? Do you make stuff? Do you bake? Do you cook?
I help clean chicken coops. In the summer, I help in the garden and I do the
marketing for them.
part of beauty, too. What about this makes you the most happy?
interacting with people. I like to be outdoors. I like to be in the garden.
There is something satisfying about pulling a weed and growing a vegetable.
Buying from Farmer's Market is so good. Not only are the products fresh, seasonal and home made but are economical too. The best is that you are supporting the local community. 🙂
Shilpa Garg #AtoZChallenge
I love shopping at a Farmer's Market. We used to attend one regularly when we visited my son and family in a town some four hours away, but they have now moved. So I'm glad you mentioned this. I must look for one in our own town. Next in A to Z Challenge: O is for Take every Opportunity to improve your life, improve your mind.
I agree, happiness is beautiful! And just so you know, I'm craving pancakes now.
it is a great way to shop for food at a farmers market – being able to have a personal relationship with the producer makes all the difference.
I love going to the farmers markets wherever I travel. And, of course, at home. We are so fortunate, in New York State.
It used to be that going to the farmer's market meant you got the freshest items at reasonable prices. Now, you see elevated prices- and, to be honest, a bunch of stuff that makes one wonder how they came off the farm.
I pine for real farmer's markets. (The best I can generally find is a roadside market by a farm that I am passing.)
I absolutely LOVE farmer's markets. Actually whenever my family is travelling somewhere (during farmer's marketing time of year of course) we seek them out! If you're ever out by the Redwoods in ca, there is a lovely one by Crescent City.. And if you're in Eugene oregon, by far my most favorite farmer's market every saturday!
Sounds like they have some good stuff. I should check out the Farmer's Market they have up the street from me on Wednesday evenings. I doubt that anyone would have real maple syrup.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out