I'm going to miss the farmers market
Just two more Saturday mornings.
Two more opportunities to walk downtown, get some hot cider and stock up on produce for the week.
I’m really going to miss the Janesville farmers market this winter. I can’t say I made it down there every weekend, but I definitely made it more Saturday mornings than not.
My 5-year-old copilot last weekend observed that it was only the second time we drove to the farmers market. Every other weekend, it’s been a nice walk. That makes me feel like we accomplished something.
My brain tells me that there isn’t a lot of difference nutritionally between a locally grown apple and one I buy at the store.
But it just makes me feel good eating an apple that only traveled a couple miles to get to my kitchen. Especially when I walked downtown to get it.
Feeling good about what you’re eating is worth something in my book.
It’s the end of the season now, so the choices are getting a little thin, just like they were in the spring when the market started. At one point in August, Main Street was bursting at the seams with stalls full of fresh, local produce.
But there still are plenty of veggies available, and I noticed the prices are a little lower than they were a couple months ago.
And, of course, there are lots of apples, squash, fall flowers, soaps and crafts.
We plan to troop downtown in costume that morning, and I plan on buying an armload of squash to load my pantry up for the winter.
And I’ll get one (or two) more cups of fresh, hot apple cider.
The cider won’t last. But I’ll soak in the warm feeling of sitting downtown, watching the shoppers stroll by and listening to market Manager Teri Huber cheerfully remind people that dogs aren’t allowed.
That should keep me warm for a few weeks at least.
Oct 21, 2009 at 6:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
Thank you for the good news story.
Oct 21, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
THANK YOU to everyone who supported the United Arts Alliance buskers (street performers) this year at the Janesville Farmer's Market! Sadly, we'll be losing young violinist Noah as he moves with his family to Tennessee but watch for the new line-up of even more great performers in 2010. In the meantime, support local arts and artists by attending and participating with the Rock Co. events and activities listed at www.rockcountyarts.com (website newly enhanced and just launched today so watch as much more information is added in the coming days).
Oct 20, 2009 at 9:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
Janesville's market is getting better every year. I like the entertainers. There is a great selection. When the parking improves I'll like it more.
I'll always prefer the Beloit market because I've been going for twenty years and my dad is a vendor there. The one thing I miss in Beloit that Janesville has is kettle corn.
Oct 20, 2009 at 7:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
I stop by there on the way to Beloit's Farmers Market. They have music, and far more selection to choose from in Beloit. However, I do not down-the-Janesville market. Each holds items that I desire. But if you have not made it to Beloit's? Give it an extra drive, you'll be glad you did.
Oct 20, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
My farmer's market "win" was when I tried to buy four ears of corn from a young lady who convinced me to buy six ears and pay 50 cents less.
Oct 20, 2009 at 4:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
I like being able to stumble down, still groggy from getting to the radio station at 5am for my infrequent Saturday morning shift, and discussing my options with the vendors.
"Ok, I have two dollars in my pocket. What can I buy for breakfast?"
(She gave me a deal on two pieces of strudel, and they were quite tasty, indeed.)
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.