I could smell it three blocks away, the air thick with the scent of baked, fried and delicious goods. It smelled more like a country fair with corndog and blooming onions, not a Farmers Market laden with organic vegetables, fresh cherries and handmade jewelry.
People shop around for fresh produce during farmers market Saturday morning. The farmers market extends from Sixth street to Third street in downtown Moscow and features art, food, and clothing vendors of all types. steven devine | summer arg
But that smell, the smell of fresh food, sweet and delicious food, was killing me. Honestly, I was drooling before I even made it to one of the market’s entrances at the intersection at Third and Main streets.
In past years, the Saturday morning market has been located in the Jackson Street parking lot. This year, due to a construction project, the market moved to the section of Main Street between Third and Sixth streets.
Street vendor Myron Higbee has been setting up a booth displaying his lapidary work and handmade jewelry at the Farmers Market for the past six years
“The vendors used to be (organized) in four bays,” Higbee said, when describing the former of the Jackson Street lot. “I have no preference…but I know some people prefer this style.”
Colleen Christensen, employee at Mary Jane’s Sweet Dreams shop, said the market’s move has only affected the store’s business by a small margin.
“I’ve found that many people still come over here from the market,” Christensen said.
Sweet Dreams is located on Jackson, and was once adjacent to the market’s lot location. After the market’s move to Main Street, Sweet Dreams is now further away from the Farmers Market center, but that hasn’t hindered Mary Jane’s passion to show love to local crafters and creators.
“Mary Jane really tries to support local places,” Christensen said. “We have spoon (art) from Oakesdale, chocolates from Boise, even cream top milk straight from Mary Jane’s farm.”
Whether a vendor is in a take-down booth on Main Street or in a roofed business of their own, one thing is for sure, going local feels good and can taste even better.
Some tips on enjoying the Farmers Market
Listen in
Every Saturday features two time slots for music, one beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 11:45 a.m. With folk, marimba, brass and country, the Farmers Market music has a wide variety to suit all tastes. Grab an ice cream cone, a chair in Friendship Square, and enjoy.
Keep coming back
Many vendors update their offered varieties with the changing produce seasons, so you’ll benefit from adventuring to Moscow’s market more than once.
“Next week I’ll be selling huckleberries,” Higbee said. “They tend to sell really well.”
Go local
Many market-goers said the market’s new location encouraged further exploration of Moscow’s downtown businesses. If the market stays at it’s current location on Main Street, which the city is thinking about doing, you’re close to some of Moscow’s many coffee shops, thrift and antique stores, and more downtown delights.
Smile and wave
“I love the interaction with people,” Higbee said. “There’s no negativity here, and it’s a very open environment.” Higbee was right, it seems that everyone in attendance is in a good mood. But then again, with sunshine, an ice cream cone and free music in Friendship Square, how could you not be a good mood?
To view the 2012 Music Schedule, visit the city of Moscow’s website at www.moscow.id.us/art/fm.
Chloe Rambo can be reached at [email protected]