Vendor with his old Studebaker truck parked beside his canopy.
Corvallis, Oregon has a farmer's market that has grown from a few vendors when it began years ago to probably fifty plus vendors today. Now it is a thriving community of vendors, families, street musicians and more. It still remains true to its initial intent of offering fresh garden produce and quality crafts. Located along the Willamette River, it provides a natural scenic avenue filled with trees and other plants plus benches and picnic tables placed along the market way.
I took some photos that illustrate the energy that one would would run into as they walked along the market-way -- see below.
Bikes parked along a railing at the edge of the Farmers Market
Families enjoy the passing crowd while enjoying
some farm fresh food.
A Corvallis mother and two sons delighted me with
some smiles and some nice conversation.
Dogs were everywhere at the market -- with their owners -- strutting their stuff and being friendly with anyone who gave them an occasional pat on the head.
The growing popularity of farmers markets is such an encouraging sign for our collective health. Here is Salmon Creek we have two different markets during the week, with plenty of organic options and better prices than the grocery store. One farmer gave me a business card for his organic u-pick farm in La Center. I think we'll make a visit there next week.
ReplyDeleteYes Melissa, I do believe that farmer's markets encourage health by providing nice fresh produce. I have heard so many folks talking in grocery stores while I glide down an aisle that poo-poo vegan and organic. I'm not saying one needs to eat this way but lets not put down folks that do like to eat this way. I know that farmers do not always have that organic licence to proclaim "organic," but food fresh from mother earth is better than sugary, saturated processed food. It's wonderful the the PNW has so many farmer's markets to choose from.-- thanks for the comment --barbara
DeleteWe shop twice a week at our farmers' market, as we have ever since we moved to Hilo, Hawaii 18 years ago. The produce is locally grown and cheaper than in the supermarkets.
DeleteI love all our farmer's markets. I'm not the main food buyer in the house, but I frequent the many artisans of soap and treasures.
ReplyDeleteThe dogs that come to markets are a reflection of their owners. Good natured, patient, friendly.
Joanne -- I feel the same as you about farmers markets. When I was in my mid twenties my children, husband (at the time) and I took a trip to the finger lakes area in Canada. There we came upon a farmers market that blew my socks off. So many old farmers, produce, grit and dirt, and friendliness. I had never been to a farmer's market before and I fell in love with the idea. Can hardly believe that was 50 years ago. thanks for your nice comment -- barbara
DeleteI too love farmer's markets (did a post on the one in Portland Maine a short time ago). They are just all positive: happy community energy, good health, spirit, small farm businesses...you caught it! Ours also feature grass roots local music...I especially love that photo of the truck!
ReplyDeleteRita -- I remember your post on your farmer's market. Isn't it great that these types of markets have caught on across the country. Now, you don't need a large chunk of land to grow a few things -- that one can sell at a market and have a good time doing it. Yes, it does promote health, good spirits, growing, and sometimes some fun musicians to jazz up the crowd. -- barbara
DeletePS I like your new photo. It's like mom combing hair back for a class picture, very sweet...
ReplyDeleteRita -- Oh my -- my daughter suggested that I change my last photo out for one that looks more like me -- so this is the result of that suggestion. I appreciate your kind words about it -- sometimes it difficult to look at yourself as an older person -- unrecognizable to me from my more youthful days. -- barbara
DeleteI'm sorry we don't have a farmers' market of that sort. Too many small local ones, a more central one with more venders would offer more choice and variety.
ReplyDeleteJune -- small ones can be great too. One summer I sold flowers from my garden at a small farmers market -- it was so much fun. The vendors and customers were so full of smiles how could I not go home after a day of that --- feeling wonderful. -- barbara
DeleteIt seems like good fun was had by one and all. Nice to see that such markets flourish in these days of malls and hypermarkets.
ReplyDeleteRuneE -- there sure is a difference between fresh at a farmer's market than a supermarket's produce that traveled miles and miles and sat around for a few days. thanks -- thanks -- barbara
DeleteBarbara, The Corvallis market is a favorite. Discovered it when one summer when motel rooms filled in Eugene during Black Sheep Gathering fiber event). Appreciate your images reflecting the diversity of people and that vintage pick-up truck. Look forward to your tours of other markets in Oregon.
ReplyDeletenaomi -- Will be investigating some of the markets in and around Portland. Getting to know this large vibrant area takes time. I think I will be in this discovery mode for awhile. -- thanks for the nice comment -- barbara
DeleteThat looks like a mellow scene, with people enjoying the summer weather.
DeleteSo you are fitting in so well and seeing some lovely stuff.
ReplyDeleteAs I find with most places, there are always places that intrigue me, haunt my past, inspire dreams, sadden me, awaken memories and more. Do I fit in? I can't answer that as I am always trolling for truth. And the truth is what many people shy away from. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI do love farmers markets though the one in our small town has only a few vendors...
ReplyDeletetroutbirder -- Even though it is small it is probably a place that is interesting to visit and buy from -- running perhaps into friends and neighbors -- and enjoying some the fresh produce when you get home. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI love your header! It's like a Japanese print.
ReplyDeleteVicki -- thanks for the nice comment -- I took the photo at daybreak and was pleased with Mt Hood's surrounding sky tones. --- barbara
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