Howdy ,
I love going to markets. I get heaps of creative ideas when I visit craft markets. I am amazed at all the fresh produce (1) (and the wonderful colours) at farmers' markets and enjoy looking at the things at flea markets.
So last year after I moved, I was disappointed to learn that my new town didn't have a farmers' market.
Yes, there are supermarkets, but I'd prefer less plastic and to support smaller business people from the local area or even the growers themselves. (Note - I'm really turning into a hippie!).
Then, a few weeks ago, I saw a sign about a farmers' market - in the town and only a ten-minute walk from my place. And at a time when I wasn't at work. Yay!!
The first market was the other week. I was there a few minutes before the start time, but it didn't matter - the stalls (2) that were organised were already selling things. A few people were there, but I think some were just stick-beaking (3).
It's a very small market, with only a handful of stalls, but that's OK - most of the things I buy regularly are there.
But last week I learnt that there's also a downside (4) to farmers' markets. It's the relationship between the buyers and sellers.
I wanted to buy eggs, just two eggs. The market had just opened, but I ended up behind a couple of other ladies, waiting to be served.
'Waiting' is the important word here. Each one chatted with the seller. Not just the polite, "Hello. How are you today?". They spoke more like friends (maybe they knew him from a different farmers' market).
And we waited...
More people lined up behind me.
I guess it's a good sign. It shows that people are going to use this market. But maybe it'll be a negative sign if there are too many people and they have to wait too long.
Anyway, finally it was my turn and I quickly bought my eggs and moved on.
Are you someone who likes farmers' markets, ? If you do, why? Is it the atmosphere, the produce or something else? Feel free to tell me by replying to this message.
Happy shopping,
Andrea
(1) produce - a general word for fruit and vegetables and other things grown on a farm
(2) stalls - little 'booths' or 'huts' where each seller has their things for sale
(3) sticky-beaking - being a sticky beak. Having a good look around, but just for fun, not (in this case) to buy anything
(4) downside - negative side
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