It’s not like we didn’t know it was coming…but every year I find myself sideswiped by October…I guess that means I’ve been having a good time. Really? Doing what, exactly? I mean, what’s so good about getting up each Saturday from May to October to sit under a tent in a patch of macadam for four hours?
That’s like asking what’s to enjoy about the company of a group of people who over the months and years have become good friends and confidants. Or what’s to like about last year’s new Lansdowne (not dale) neighbors becoming this year’s familiar names and (mostly unmasked) faces. Or finding out that you actually like beets, or kale, or whatever it is you’d been resisting for so long.
Doesn’t sound like the vacation of your dreams, or the trip of a lifetime, does it? But taking the time and the space to appreciate what’s right outside your own front door and right in your own backyard is another way of discovering something lots of people never do…what a hometown feels like. Not everyone gets to get that. The small stuff. So I hope you got a taste of that this season.
And speaking of tasting stuff…I’ve moved on from my annual summer fling with the peaches and melons, with the berries and the corn on the cob. Well, just ’til next June, anyway. And I’m rekindling my relationship with apples and fall pears and root veggies and hearty soups and breads. My wines are redder, and with the chilly temps and the approaching holidays, cocktail hour is moodier and way more sophisticated…vodka mules and dark ’n stormy rums go great in front of a crackling fire. Like-minded individuals might want to plan some time visiting Mitchell & Mitchell, Red Brick Craft Distillery or Pennsylvania Distilling Co. while there’s still time. Saluti! Santé! Sláinte! Cheers!
And don’t forget the beer that puts the “fest” in October…the Germans may have started the party, but no one is checking passports, and the fun has spilled over its borders. You have only one more week to “hop” over to the Conshohocken Brewery tent to take home some beery cheer with a fall flavor hit…maybe a brace of Ivin’s (yes that Ivin’s) Famous Spiced Ale?
Other things to stock up on over these last two weeks…You’re gonna need candles and skin care products to pamper your skin and satisfy your soul…scents and soaps, lotions and potions for every body, some maple syrup and blended teas… and don’t leave without your supply of Fruitwood Orchards honey.
And finally, cheers to all of our loyal LFM patrons! The LFM team is proud that we were able to carry on despite COVID, despite our fears and re-configurations. And to our vendors, who in many cases have had to rethink how they do food service. We’re still on the curve, but looking to a bigger, brighter future as not just our market, but all of Lansdowne is on the move to revitalize and reinvent our streets and businesses. Change is in the air. Stay tuned. Better yet, get involved. Contact Debbie Brodeur at the LEDC HQ to see where you might fit in.
Heads up: Our next and last regular market (Oct 29) is, as always, our Halloween Celebration. This year the masks will be just for fun! And kids will be getting candy…so stock up on toothpaste!
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to double back to read ALL of the Lansdowne Links news. You don’t want to miss a thing.
See you there!
Terry Baraldi