I love writing this newsletter each week, but sometimes it can take me hours, fingers poised over the keyboard, to hit on a new topic of conversation…and sometimes inspiration is no further than the vendor across the aisle. In this case, Conshohocken Brewery. Beer! Brilliant!
It suddenly struck me that I was woefully ignorant on everything about the brew except my appreciation for a cold one…possibly two… on a hot, hot day. And this summer has certainly pushed the limits on that scenario.
So, I “hopped” across the midway to the experts to get the 411 on everything from basic brewskis to IPAs to the latest taste craze…fruited beers. And in about 5 minutes realized that I was in over my “head.” Uh huh. No matter… I can always go to The Google to get briefed on the booze…but what I…we…got instead was a conversation that quickly cascaded from beer to blueberries, with corn and geography and history sandwiched in between. Don’t ask me how. And that right there is the very best part of our Farmers Market and the people in it. The connection it provides without even knowing you were looking for it. Landing effortlessly on commonalities and interests. The surprise. And the smiles.
Getting back to beer beginnings…it’s all about the hops. Today the hops are all about the flavor…the bitterness and depth it gives the stuff. If you want to sound like an expert, just mention the “hoppiness” factor of any given brew. NOTE: Hops are NOT responsible for the alcohol content of your beverage. That’s the job of the sugars and the fermentation process…and a whole ‘nother article. Actually, back in the dark ages, someone figured out that adding hops to the barrel turned their questionable water supply into a safe, potable beverage for the entire clan. The added flavor was just part of the deal of staying alive. Bonus: they could drink all they wanted and still drive home. At some point later, someone slipped some sugar…maybe the proverbial rotten apple?…into the barrel, and the distilling industry was born.
And since history has a habit of becoming the present, today you can find hops flavoring just about any beverage…without the xxx factor… and curiously refreshing. So belly on up with your sober sipper and join the party.
Speaking of parties…
This week in the Music Tent: After three years of wandering in the great Covid void, The Lost Northern Tribe has been found! 1: Find your dancin’ shoes. 2: Get ready for some serious fun with a Cajun backbeat, and 3: laissez les bon temps rouler!
This week is also Community Day, so come see what your friends and neighbors have been up to. This monthly event has grown every year, and the LFM is happy to give these entrepreneurs some bragging space.
Also, I promised a list of the remaining musical talent for this 2023 season…so you don’t miss a chance to see some local favorites. Here’s who’s up in September.
- 9/2 Returning by popular demand: Bill Baraldi & Simone
- 9/9 The always surprising Sebastian; NOTE: also Dog Day returns to the midway!
- 9/16 Kathy Quinn & Julieanne Ott
- 9/23 Lansdowne String Quartet
- 9/30 Jimmy Shoe & the Shine
BTW: Time to get those nails clipped and polished (the pooch’s…not necessarily yours), and come show off your pet’s best side for the Dog Parade and more on Dog Day, September 9th. Extra points for creative costuming.
The Great LFM Bake Off is really a thing, and we are almost at capacity for participants, so if you want in on the bragging rights, and also one of the cash rewards…get to the manager’s tent this week. ALSO: If you have already signed up…It has come to our attention that the promised LFM market bucks were not handed out as promised. So if you are on the list but buck-less, please see me on Saturday.
Actually, even if we don’t owe you a thing…come see me on Saturday. It’s been a week!
Terry B