I grew up on a farm and we grew our own vegetables; what we lacked we got at my grandfather’s country store nearby—-he kept fresh fruits and vegetables in stock. Living in the city, getting fresh fruits and vegetables is a whole nother matter. Some farmer’s markets are located near where I live–some are only seasonal. One of my favorites is a small one near me on the lawn of a Presbyterian Church shaded by huge hardwood trees; it opens seasonally—on Thursday afternoons.
In my childhood, I sometimes went with my grandfather to the Macon Farmer’s Market; it was large. Each Thursday, Grandaddy bought produce for his country store for weekend sale. The sights, smells, and sounds of a farmer’s market are circus-like—though something of a community atmosphere —among a disparate assortment of sight-seers strolling along and serious shoppers mingling. It reminds me of a line in an old Christmas song, “…as the shoppers rush home with their treasures.”
Treasures they are! What can compare with slicing a tomato, fresh-off-the-vine, slapping it onto bread slathered with mayonnaise! Or slicing open a chilled watermelon and eating it— juice running down your chin! Fresh summer squash, corn-on-the-cob, and butter beans take a summer meal to supernal culinary heights. Even recounting these reflections of farmer’s markets, food, and fun, make my taste-buds giggle with happy anticipation.
A farmer’s market not only effuses flavors flourishing into the air, but also the air flutters with unexpected discoveries. You may discover new fruits, flavors, and—if you tarry, perhaps new friends. Authentic farmer’s marketers virtually ripple with a wealth of stories; (I admit, some marketers are pushy). However, if the vendor in the booth actually grew the fresh produce, rich stories may percolate up and are usually quite interesting.
When God created all things, we human beings were placed in an expansive, verdant, vibrant garden. Our charge was to manage it as good stewards, and use its produce for our benefit, enjoying it forever. We have not quite lived up to that assignment. When Jesus was teaching lessons of life to his followers, he pointed to the fig tree as a means to pay attention. He always found ways to turn their focus to living as God’s people.
Farmers markets underscore for us legitimate lessons in immediacy. Moments do not last; that whiff of fresh fruits is but a breath. That taste of a jucy, red tomato is gone in a swallow. Even though they are only moments they make life vibrant. Sights, sounds, and smells can quickly revive some important chapters in life, adding fragrance and joy to your day. Farmers markets have a way of doing that.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023
I remember going to the Farmer’s Market in Atlanta with my uncle who had a grocery store. David and I use to stop at the markwt in Ashviille NC to get figs and peaches.
We always went to the Farmers market in Atlanta for Christmas fruit.
The old Dekalb Farmers Market was very crowded. The boys hated to go there. People would run you over with their shopping cart. Then they built the new one. Very nice.