And just like that, the final concert on the square for the year is done. And with that, seemingly, the chaos of summer is coming to an end too suddenly. The chaos that never seemed to end —fitting in the family vacation that required coordinating a dozen schedules, attending both a graduation party and a wedding in the same weekend. It’s often the chaos that seems to dictate summer months, but sometimes the most joy comes from the day to day activities that aren’t planned; rather the things that spontaneously define a day — randomly catching up with that friend you never quite see enough, enjoying a long night with a group outdoors, perusing the art pieces for Musical Chairs. And then, as they’ve defined your day, these things are too good to pass up. For me, one of the best things that seems to be a continued “too good to pass up thing” is attending the farmers market.
Main Street Monroe runs Monroe’s farmers market: Wednesdays from noon to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s calming to know that the chaos of summer is winding down and that the farmers market is winding up. It’s been a slower growing season, but it’s now become peak produce season and the stalls are overflowing with piles of colorful fruits and vegetables, jams, pork and beef products, canned items, and ready to eat foods. It’s hard to pass up on a Saturday morning when approximately two dozen local and regional vendors are present, and, likewise, on Wednesday afternoons when approximately one dozen vendors bring a variety of can’t miss items.
Like any local business owner, vendors are eager to share their story and explain products and how to cook with them. The market, which has history dating back to the 1800s, is also producer only. All products for sale at the market are handmade, homegrown or value-added, incorporating raw materials. One of my favorite finds this year is kimchi; along with current, in season peaches, eggplants and herbs. And sweet corn — so come early!
One of our goals with the farmers market, on top of promoting rural livelihoods and stimulating our local economy, is increasing access to fresh and nutritious food for everyone. I am proud to write that the market offers Electronic Benefit Transfers (EBT) for recipients of SNAP Food Benefits. We are currently the only market in Green County licensed by the state to do so. Anyone receiving benefits just needs to stop by the market information booth and run their card (from any state). He or she will receive tokens (in any amount chosen) that can be used at a variety of vendors. Even better, thanks to community partners (Monroe Clinic, Monroe Woman’s Club, and United Way), we are able to offer a double dollars program. Anyone who purchases SNAP tokens will receive double the amount (up to $25) per visit with no limit on double dollar totals over the entire season.
As the exciting chaos of summer winds down, please join us for the local produce, craft goods, and everything else the farmers market offers. We will continue to book different live music entertainment groups through the end of the season on various Saturday markets. Musical entertainment is largely made possible by the Monroe Fund.
The final outdoor market will be on Oct. 26 — save the date. Our friends at the Monroe Public Library and Cheese City Brewers and Vintners will have a home brewing demonstration. And while it still feels a bit too soon to mention fall produce: apples, pumpkins, squash and sweet potatoes will all be available shortly, too. All of which seems like a proper reason to celebrate the calm that comes as we hit those final summer days.
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. monroemainstreet@tds.net 608-328-4023. Also, find us on Facebook and Instagram.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net.
