Farmer’s markets are a highlight of Summer for communities around the country. On a typical Saturday in America, people come out in droves, to shop local. Same here in Garden, however, our market is neither typical nor are people coming out in droves. But that is what makes our market special.

Our market is more like a Saturday morning coffee klatch. An emergence of recluses, who come out of the woods for our weekly communion and some much needed socialization.

It is more than just vendors selling stuff to customers, it’s community. It’s a community of the most wonderful weirdos, friendly faces and one well trained dog (shoutout to Daisy). Sure people come for the locally-grown veggies and meat and homemade baked goods, but they also come for the conversation and the free coffee and cookies (shoutout to the Uecke’s –providers of the coffee and cookies and the glue that holds us together). People come to visit.

It’s pretty informal. We don’t have “stalls” or booths. We set up at picnic tables. All are welcome. There is no charge to come sell your goods. For many of us, it’s not about the money, seriously, I made eight bucks last week (though I’m sure some vendors are making some $$$). We show up even if I only have dog toys and garlic powder to offer, which is the case early season before the greens start rolling in. And you never know what you’ll find. We’ve had vendors selling tofu and soy milk, BBQ, and last week, homemade authentic Thai Food.

The Boss provides the music. He sets up at the front of the pavilion and sometimes spends more time acting as the welcome committee than playing songs.

We have regulars who come early and hang out the whole time, sharing gossip, growing tips and their own homemade goodies. We have benefactors who very generously show up and purchase something from everyone – they keep us afloat. We have tourists who happen to stumble upon the market and are pleasantly surprised by the free cookies and coffee. Yes, they are free, help yourself! And there is always plenty of time to sit down at each other’s picnic tables and have a good chat.

The Garden market is hard to beat.
Free coffee and cookies are really a treat.
If you’re looking for bread, Kathy’s your gal.
And Autumn specializes in everything cow.
Sandy has pies.
The Smith’s have sprouts.
Garden Farmer’s Market is what it’s all about.

It’s Dena’s carrots that everyone craves.
And Steve’s heirloom tomatoes that everyone raves.
The Scott’s maple syrup is perfectly sweet and they’ve got other baked goods when you need more of a treat.

Stuff crafted with love.
Things grown from seed.
The Garden Farmer’s Market has everything you need.
Ted’s table is lined with more produce than you can find at the store.
And then if you are still looking for more . . .

You’ll even hear Rick play his guitar,
Each Saturday morning at the pavilion behind the Garden Bar.

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