They say talking about it helps. Sharing our emotions reduces stress and can make us feel closer to one another, especially if we can release pent up feelings. Of course, we are all in the same situation. Summer, with all of its time off from school, blue skies, hot days, and bucket lists of things to enjoy, is coming to an end. And we are all talking about it. It seems that it has been extra quick for everyone this year: a coworker who just never found time to squeeze in a family vacation. Or the number of people who have noticed the national chains are proudly promoting and selling items for Halloween and share it in disbelief. And so on…
It is in these moments that I am reminded that the best parts of summer, if not life, come from the moments that are oftentimes not planned. Realizing the calm that comes from spontaneously taking a yoga on the lawn class or running into friends because you are grabbing one more drink outdoors downtown. Tiny things that can define the days and become too good, so we hang on just a little bit harder, hoping that they last. One thing to hang on to is the farmers market.
Today is the final day of National Farmers Market Week, which is in its 24th year. It is a celebration that highlights the vital role farmers markets play in communities across the country. Our farmers market, which has been a part of Main Street Monroe since 2015 and dates back to the 1800’s, is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 12-3 p.m. on Wednesdays. For both days, we have welcomed new vendors this season and celebrated anniversaries of longtime vendors. From grass fed pork producers to clay jewelry makers, it has been a great season so far. And as we get into peak produce season, stalls stacked with piles of colorful fruits and vegetables, jams, baked goods, and canned items are something to appreciate. Plus, today, in celebration of National Farmers Market Week, you are going to find a few extra things.
There is live music, Daisy’s Axe Throwing (yes, axe throwing!) is set up on the northeast corner, we are giving away mini cookies to the first 300 hundred attendees, and the Green County Historical Society Museum also has a booth. We offer our fellow nonprofits spaces for free throughout the season to help share their missions.
And like them, vendors are also eager to share their story and explain products and how to cook with them. All products for sale at the market are handmade, homegrown, or value-added, incorporating raw materials. National Farmers Market Week is also about promoting increasing access to nutritious food and preserving farmland. Because we are a producer only farmers market, all produce is grown in the region. It is a yearlong goal to promote rural livelihoods and stimulate our local economy and increase access to fresh and nutritious food for everyone. We are proud to say that SSM Health sponsors the market.
If at all possible, ignore the Halloween décor for at least a few more weeks, and take a stroll through the farmers market today and any Wednesday and Saturday through the end of October. For me, it is calming to know that there is so much and so many opportunities for unplanned visits. And that it is worth hanging on
(Interested community groups that would like to raise awareness for their program may contact Main Street Monroe to coordinate a day to have a free booth at the market.)
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.
