Local products on display at Farmers’ Market
If the farmers and gardeners looked contented at Atlanta’s Farmers’ Market Saturday, it’s probably because they were. One of the pleasures of growing is selling.
This is especially the case when nature’s abundance produces more than a grower wants or even can store. So, in a sense, there is “unloading” upon those dropping by a farmers’ market. Rarely do the farmers sell-out, but that’s surely the goal. Some give away produce, if necessary.
And the farmers and gardeners look pleased for another reason. They’ve been here since a little after sunup and are just glad to see anyone drive up around 7 or 8 a.m. You’ll get a friendly “hello” from each grower standing by their pickup or table.
Such was the case recently for four growers at Atlanta’s market on North Louise near the police department.
Midge Farmer was the professional of the group. She had everything perfectly organized and displayed. Several tables and a full line of products.
Randall Lee also looked sharp with his bee honey, jam and jelly, which had elegant and distinguished printed labels on their jars. Randall said he was one of those who had an abundance of product. Seems his bees have been working hard for him.
Bennie Rodgers was next with his watermelons, tomatoes and vegetables. His talent was to chat happily about cooking at which he may be an amateur but sounds as if he could win over an audience of television chefs. His military experience as KP was likely quite important.
Steve Harrington was the most laid-back and comfortable in his Texas A&M ball cap. He had to talk with people, for he had no signs. Just bowls and sacks of produce. To sell, he was going to have to tell buyers what he had, which he was glad to do.
All were very comfortable because of the many trees on this local lot that used to be part of the Atlanta school system. This farmers’ market could be called the “shaded” market because that’s where all the sellers were.
All of this means Atlanta’s Farmers’ Market is a pleasant place to visit. It’s small, yes, but with high quality.
And there is one other important point. This market may be one of the last places people are expected to talk to one another. There were no cellphones in evidence when this reporter visited and ended buying from each of the four.
That might just require another name. It’s Atlanta’s Friendly and Shaded Farmers’ Market each Saturday on North Louise.
Drop by. They’ll leave the light on for you, the four growers said.