05/15/08 Farmers Markets

It's that time of year again, a time that has me itching with anticipation. I'm talking about the opening of our local Farmers Market. I look forward to that first opening day with the same amount of enthusiasm as a five year old for Christmas morning, or so it seems if I'm remembering my childhood correctly! I have to get there earlier each year as the word has obviously gotten out that the Farmers Market is the one place where you can be rest assured of finding deliciously fresh and tasty produce. In fact our area of over one hundred thousand inhabitants could stand to have several more farmers markets as the demand for fresh local produce seems to outpace the supply. Finding a new generation of farmers to step in and take over for the large number of retiring farmers can be a challenge. As each farmer who manages a stand will tell you it's a lot of hard work but extremely satisfying and well worth it. Hopefully we will be able to continue to find young farmers eager and willing to carry on the wonderful tradition of the local farmers markets.