farmers markets

Fragrant cantaloupes as big as bowling balls. Baskets brimming with okra and tomatoes. Tempting watermelons sliced to show juicy centers as bright as valentines. Take a deep breath. Inhale the wonderful aromas. It's Saturday morning at the farmers market.

"It's a gathering place for everyone to shop, visit, and talk," says John E. Matthews, manager of Sarasota's Downtown Farmers' Market, a Saturday morning happening that draws about 8,000 people to the Florida coastal city each weekend.

Shoppers find everything from local honey ($9 a quart) to fresh shrimp ($9.50 a pound for jumbos). Gail Jeffrey sells homemade jams and jellies. Chris Keesecker brews steaming cups of his own microroasted coffee for customers and vendors who arrive as early as 4 a.m. "Starbucks is our main competition," he says modestly.

From small-town courthouse lawns to cities as big as Dallas, farmers markets thrive across the South. Part block party, part food court, part festival, many offer much more than produce. In Sarasota, musicians entertain shoppers. "We offer music most Saturdays," says John, "I try to make it look as informal as possible."

Sarasota's market opens from 7 a.m. until noon on Saturdays on Lemon Avenue from First Street to Pineapple Avenue; (941) 587-4985 or www.downtownsarasota.com.

On summer mornings, neighborhood markets buzz like festive block parties in towns and cities around the South.

Roanoke, Virginia

Filled with flowers, produce, and fruit, Historic Roanoke City Farmers Market flourishes as the centerpiece of this Virginia city.

"The market brings a country charm to the city," says vendor Mark Woods. "It gives your customers a break from the rat race." Shops and cafes near the market include Agnew Seed, Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea, and an Orvis Outlet.

The market is located at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Market Street; (540) 342-2028 or www.downtownroanoke.org. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

St. Louis, Missouri

You might hear as many different languages as there are types of tomatoes at Soulard Market in St. Louis. The landmark, almost as old as the city, resembles a European street bazaar.

The 140 vendors offer everything from fresh alligator meat to live chickens, as well as the more mainstream farmers market products.

The market is located at 730 Carroll Street; (314) 622-4180 or www.stlouis. missouri.org/citygov/soulard market. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

Oklahoma City

Crowds come early in the day for watermelons, tomatoes, fresh flowers, honey, baked goods, and the rest of the homegrown harvest featured at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City's Horticulture Center. Every item available here is grown or made in the Sooner State.

The market is at the southern end of the OSUOKC campus at 400 North Portland Avenue; (405) 945-3358 or www.osuokc.edu/ farmersmarket. It is open year-round. Summer hours are 8 a.m-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2005
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