This Saturday I was fortunate enough to go to the Farmers Market in Kerrytown with a group of West Quaders (I definitely would have gotten lost trying to get there by myself!). Armed with a small Nikon, a green pen, and a community center brochure whose back I could take notes on, I went around all the stalls observing the fresh, vibrant produce, the unique, wholesome wares of the locals, and just generally breathing in the bounty of nature. It’s an amazing place to experience – anyone living in or visiting Ann Arbor should definitely plan an excursion to the Farmers Market!
[Welcome to the Ann Arbor's Farmer Market!]
[Impressive, colorful arrays of varied produce define the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market. Each stand owner was friendly and warm, inviting of conversation.]
[I spent the most time talking to a man named Rich Carpenter, one of the stand owners at Carpenter’s Organic Produce, located in Allen, Michigan. For Rich, farming had been a favorite hobby of his family for about 55 years. His grandfather started a small family farm, which soon expanded to 30 acres of over 30 kinds of certified organic produce. Rich had been taking care of the farm with his dad and grandfather since he was young, but as much as he enjoys farming he wants to pursue a career in graphic design. As a result, the Carpenters have made plans to significantly reduce the variety of crops raised since both senior Carpenters are nearing old age – Rich’s grandfather is already 87 and still running a farm!]
[When I asked Rich what he thought would happen to the farm when he finds work in graphic design, he smiled sheepishly and gave a slight shrug, saying, “I don’t really know.” Standing next to him is a 14-year old the Carpenters hired from their church, and Rich’s father, in the hat.]
[Several stands sold floral arrangements. There were chrysanthemums, sunflowers, pansies, and much more. This stand specialized in roses of all kinds, complete with a small glass vase for added style.]
[I never knew there could be so many varieties of eggplants! There were at least 5 types of eggplants being sold at this stand.]
[The Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market is also home to an assortment of baked goods. Even if you don’t buy anything to taste, the aroma is free and just as mouth-watering!]
[Homemade hickory syrup - I have never heard of it before but when I tasted it I liked it better than maple syrup. It's got a distinct (hard to describe) taste and seems less sweet that maple syrup. What amazes me though is that the Beretons, the stand owners, decided on a whim to try making hickory syrup one day, and have built a successful side business since then.]
[An wide assortment of homemade fruit preserves. The temptation to purchase the whole collection was too strong.]
[It’s strange to think of vegetables as beautiful, but many of the stands at the Farmer’s Market show just how stunning the vivid colors of fresh produce can be.]
[There may have been a variety of products at the Farmer’s Market, like coffee, flowers, vegetables, beeswax, photography, and pastries, but the smiles were the most abundant commodity there.]
[The hands-down, absolute best olive oil I have ever tasted. The man leaning over in the picture was actually convinced by his friend, who couldn't make it that day, to start making olive oil together. They import some of the best Kalamata olives and create their personal mixture from that. It's been almost 10 years since they started coming to the farmers market.]
[The Farmers Market boasts carved beeswax candles and pocket jars of honey.]
[The warm sunlight complements the fresh smell and natural vibrance of the produce, creating a feel-good atmosphere that is hard to replicate.]
[The lady who owned this ceramics stand was so nice, and when I told her I loved taking Ceramics 1 in high school, offered the name of her local ceramics club. She has been making and selling her own plates, magnets, earrings, and etc. for 37 years at the farmers market! I ended up buying one of her hand-crafted, unique magnets that hold enough water for a small wildflower to be placed in.]
[And here it is, stuck on my microwave next to my Michigan sticker and cuddling pandas. It displays a Gandhi quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world."]
[Dogs aren't allowed in the Farmer’s Market, but the poor puppy very clearly wanted to get in. There were quite a few dog owners sitting just outside the farmers market for that reason - but eager puppies are just another attraction of the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market.]
