Into each life…that’s what they say about rain. And it happened yesterday. The heavens opened. The clouds fell down.
First, some perspective…The Lansdowne Farmers Market is committed to open on schedule rain or shine. Why? It’s in the name. Because the crops won’t wait and the farmers can’t …What they have gathered must be sold as close to “just picked” as possible. Economics in action.
Rain is just one of the elements that need to get factored into every decision the farmer makes. It is mostly prayed for, and only seldom cursed. Goods to market gotta happen, no matter what the sky is doin’.
And so they came, those farmers…and after them came the crafters, and the bakers with their goods to sell; and… Hallelujah! Here came the villagers with their shopping bags and baskets. Commerce commenced.
Now, just for the record, all of those shoppers could have stayed warm and dry by shopping in some local supermarket. They could have found everything on their lists without having to juggle an umbrella along with the tomatoes. But they didn’t…Why?
Because we were where we said we’d be. Because these shoppers, these regular customers have learned that there is nothing better than getting your sustenance from the source. And because these shoppers are part of our social connection every day of the week. They come to be with each other, to catch up on the news, and maybe even to just splash in a puddle. There’s a part of childhood lurking in all of us. One shopper who shall remain nameless came, in part I’m sure, to show off her very nifty new Norwegian rain poncho. We are jealous.
So, there we were, a soggy, shivering, splashing brigade of the usual suspects. Admittedly, and only after a thorough and very chilly baptism, our intrepid management team took shelter when and where we could during our four-hour tour of duty…mostly in a car with the heat cranked up to dry us out a bit. Sharing snacks, greetings and gossip with passersby. Fun is where you find it.
And now on to the next one. Please pray for sunshine.
Apples and pears are now more than a suggestion, taking center stage in the fresh fruit aisle. The last of the zucchini is moving over for the butternut squash. And I’m ashamed to tell you how long it took me to deal with squash. Turns out it’s one of the easiest ingredients for a new (or not-so-new) cook to conquer. Roasted or mashed, oiled or buttered, or pureed and blended into a creamy risotto…you will deserve all the applause.
Speaking of applause…I hope our intrepid contestants are elbow deep in preparing for the BIG LFM BAKE OFF happening just a few weeks from now on October 28. I know the judges are limbering up their tastebuds ahead of their official duties. Bakers…you’ve all received your instructions…please report to the judging stand with your entries by 10:45 on the big day. Judges, tasting begins at 11…come hungry.
In this week’s Music Tent: Jimmy Shoe & the Shine bringin’ the good times with rhythm and jazz.
This weekend is a BIG ONE here on the Ave. As soon as the Market ends on Saturday, we’ll be resetting the stage for Sunday’s Arts on the Avenue. If you recall, last year’s 20th Anniversary celebration was rudely hijacked by an uninvited hurricane.
This annual event has become a showcase for our town and for local artists and makers from within and without our borders. So come and spend an hour or the day shopping, sipping (did I mention the beer garden?) and celebrating ‘Downe Not ‘Dale Lansdowne.
Be seen, be there.
Terry B