A series of essays....
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| A VARIETY OF PEPPERS.... PART OF NATURES COLOR PALETTE |
....as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
“Welcome to PFC Markets: Connecting customers and market businesses through honest relationships and supporting community and local economies through a thriving market culture.” —-Michigan Farmers Market Association
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| A GENTLEMAN WITH A SONG |
The Kalamazoo Farmers Market, a PFC (People’s Food Co-op) market, was quite an unexpected surprise when good friends asked if we’d like to join them at the local Farmers Market a couple of weeks ago. We were thrilled to do so considering that one of our greatest adventures while in Europe and, especially, France, is spending hours at the local village markets. Not only is this a great way to explore what the area has to offer in fresh produce, spices, local cheeses, sausage and other high quality meats but, these open markets introduce you to the area, the land, the local people and their language, and so much more!
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| MAKING A DIFFICULT DECISION! |
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| THE SHEER BEAUTY OF NATURE |
We were excited to take this special opportunity to meet and rub elbows (literally) with the locals and carry-on conversations about the town and surrounding area. Immersing oneself into the community truly requires getting to know the local farmers, bakers, florists, honey suppliers, and artisans of many beautiful and practical items for yourself and your home.
The Kalamazoo Farmers Market did not disappoint us. The day began cloudy and overcast. Then, the sun showered us with its brilliance and Floridian-like heat as we parked our car and walked into the bustling crowd of shoppers. People were clutching their market baskets filled with a delightful conglomeration of locally grown produce with carrot tops, a variety of fresh lettuces, and vividly colored peppers dripping over the sides like dense clusters of colorful phlox over the rim of an ancient stone wall.
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| COLOR AND TEXTURE.... TEMPTING THE TASTE BUDS. |
One does not proceed meekly as you make your way forward among your fellow shoppers within the large aisle separating the vendors on the left and vendors to the right. You must employ a calm, positive demeanor as you find yourself bobbing this way and that, head turned towards the left and body aiming to the right in ‘pretzel’ position, never missing a deal or an opportunity. And, politeness being a virtue as you excuse yourself for the hundredth time after, unfortunately, stabbing someone with your elbow. Farmers markets can be considered a contact sport in many ways!
And, that’s always good because the genuine enthusiasm for the chance to mingle with your neighbors while shopping in a healthy, sustainable manner with the benefit of being a part of the greater community....is never to be turned away from.
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| JUICY GOODNESS RIGHT FROM THE FIELD! |
Where else can you find a local bakery that employs people who have difficulty working in traditional work environments and give them a chance to have a purpose, be productive, and achieve a goal? —-Bova Bakery does just that!
When you shop at the farmers market you support your neighbors; you give true meaning to the phrase ‘know your farmer, know your food’ because you have the opportunity to speak directly with them, ask questions, and learn their stories and practices first hand. At the same time, a large portion of your dollar will stay in the community as you are directly helping local families survive economically.
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| FARMERS MARKET CHEESES, THE BEST YOU CAN BUY! |
After walking along the stalls of over one hundred vendors, some supplying the people of Kalamazoo with their particular wares for many decades, and weaving through the crowd of determined yet smiling faces for over an hour, I was quite satisfied with the items chosen to fill my wicker market basket with. Unlike shopping at the market in Bédoin, France, as we do each time we visit Provençal, we are not disguising ourselves as locals for the week....now, we are the locals and we could not be more proud!
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| CAPTURING THE BEAUTY AND INTRICACY IN NATURE... |
I’ve been reading extensively about the rich history of The City of Kalamazoo’s Farmers Market which extends back into the mid 1800’s. Incredible for so many reasons, the market has woven its way through major wars, relocation, economic upheaval, local politics, and has grown stronger and stronger as the years progress.
Gone is the belief that similar European markets can only hold the exclusive keys to the four categories requested by every market business in order to self-identify their role in a Farmers’ Market as a retailer, grower, producer, and artisan. And, we should all be fairly impressed by the longevity and constant growth that the Kalamazoo Farmers Market has enjoyed and delightedly shared with the people of this community.
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| MY FAVORITE ARTISAN CHOICE FOR OUR TRIP: HAND-KNIT, FINGERLESS GLOVES. PERFECT FOR PHOTOGRAPHY! |
Dan and I are slowly becoming a part of this incredible community with the help of good neighbors and friends. We’re looking forward to many, many years of giving, sharing, and participating in local places and events. Our formal introduction to the local Farmers Market has been one huge building block helping to form a foundation of unity and belonging to something far greater and, often, wiser than ourselves.
Answer to: Why do butterflies stand on their food? Because they taste with their feet. All creatures have one thing in common....they all must eat!
Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All photo rights reserved
