Celebrate Virginia's Farmer's Markets!
Some of the stands are permanent structures, often selling fireworks and Virginia hams in addition to veggies. Other stands are simply pick-up trucks, parked alongside the shoulder of the road, accompanied by a handmade sign planted about five feet in front of the lowered tailgate. One of my favorites is a guy who is selling 50 pound sacks of potatoes for about ten bucks. You just can’t get that kind of deal anywhere else!
I had mentioned earlier the “secret – locals only” market, known as the Fresh Market. This is the stand where you take what you want, and leave the money in a box. Totally on the honor system…and it works. See the pics above and below for a sample of their wares.
Since moving to the Eastern Shore, and getting to know many of the farmers, I have a new appreciation for how hard they work for us. One of the best things a parent can do is teach their kids that foods don’t just show up at the supermarket – they all start one way or another with the farmer. Willie Nelson knew this years ago when he started the Farm Aid concerts.
I know President Obama is quite busy these days, what with trying to solve the ills of Wall Street with a reorganization of the Health Care System, all the while trying not to slip on oil washed up from the BP Oil Spill, so I give two “green thumbs” up to the fine Commonwealth of Virginia for helping Mr. Obama out with this one.
That’s right, August 1 – 7, 2010 is “Celebrate Virginia Farmer’s Markets” week. No matter where you are, there is probably a Farmer’s Market somewhere nearby. I just spent a week up in the Shenandoah Mountains and saw plenty of them. For more information on Virginia’s Farmer’s Markets, check out http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/.
Know your food – thank your farmer!
