A series of essays….
COLORFUL PEPPERS DRIPPING LIKE
PHLOX OVER AN ANCIENT STONE WALL
….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
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 market after moving up to Michigan. We were thrilled to do so considering that one of our greatest adventures while in Europe, especially France, is spending hours at 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, small businesses, the local people, and so much more!
The title open market denotes an unrestricted competitive market in which any buyer and seller is free to participate. It is generally conducted out-of-doors with connecting stalls occupied by the sellers in order to be exposed to the buyers who are eager to see the presented wares. With such a great market strategy employing a double entendre in its title, this concept has connected with us for hundreds of years.
The Kalamazoo Farmers Market will reopen on Saturdays from May 4 through October 26…night markets, once a month, from June through September offer live music, a hundred vendors including artisans selling handmade goods, and a selection of local beer and wine. Also, an indoor Kalamazoo Winter Market is open to the public during the winter months each Saturday.
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.
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IN ADDITION TO LOCAL PRODUCE THERE IS A VARIETY OF FRESH CHEESE AND BAKED GOODS |
The Kalamazoo Farmers Market did not disappoint us. The day began cloudy and overcast. Then, the sun showered us with its light 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, fresh lettuces, and vividly colored peppers dripping over the sides like dense clusters of colorful phlox over the rim of an ancient stone wall.
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.
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MY HUMBLE ATTEMPT AT CAPTURING THESE COLORFUL BEAUTIES |
Our friend, a local artist and talented photographer, spent time that morning taking amazing shots of the many bouquets of flowers offered by several of the vendors. The magnificent and vibrant colors flourished wildly within his camera lens as his close-ups captured the natural beauty of each perfect bloom.
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.
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. Unlike shopping at the market in Bédoin, France, as we do each time we visit Provence, we are not disguising ourselves as locals for the week....now, we are the locals and we could not be more proud!
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, relocations, economic upheaval, local politics, and has grown stronger and stronger as the years progress.
Gone is the belief that similar European markets 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.
Dan and I have definitely become a part of this incredible place 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: Why do butterflies stand on their food? Because they taste with their feet. All living creatures have one thing in common....they must eat!
Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes
All rights reserved
Photos copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes
All photo rights reserved
