For the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, summer began on June 21. For me, summer began today with the return of the Madison Farmers' Market. This wonderful market started twenty years ago. I came home from today's inaugural market with a free "Love Madison, Shop Madison" bag, the freshest fish, lovely squash and spring onions and Moroccan yellow pepper hummus. I left behind plenty of tempting things for the next visit. I also brought home an aromatic pot of basil for summer suppers. For those who weren't ready for the on-again, off-again rain, the DDC had rescue ponchos available. The market's at Waverly Place from 2-7 Thursdays until Sept. 23. There was plenty of parking available. Please put it on your calendars.
Madison gets Sustainable Jersey credit for having a long-running farmers' market, which supports the local farming community. I think we should get special credit for having it in the center of downtown, where residents can combine shopping for food with shopping at local merchants. It also supports the late Thursdays which make errand-running and food-shopping possible on foot, on these pleasant warm days. The farmers' market is a great example of Madison's vibrant downtown. (Have you noticed that the downtown is fully occupied? That's a terrific difference from places with whitewashed windows--you can feel the liveliness.) Music and food demonstrations will make each week of the market worth a visit, even if you don't succumb to the draw of the food.
