On the road again – finally! After being stationery for more months than we could ever imagine, we are rolling again. Not only were we unable to travel, we have not been to a farmers market in over a year. All that changed a few weeks ago while we were staying at Paragon Casino RV Park in Marksville LA.
For years, Saturdays were farmer market mornings. Finally we were able to return to our Saturday morning ritual. Cabrini Farmers Market in Alexandria, LA was like a breath of fresh air. The offerings covered a wide range of items – fresh produce, crafts, dairy, prepared foods and more.
Everything said, buy me and we did just that. Since this was our first real farmers market in over a year, we may have gone a little overboard. Our purchases consisted of beets, peas, squash, butter, chocolate milk, bread, blackberries, tamales, smashed fig jam and ribbon cane syrup. We also purchased a fresh meat pie (which did not last long enough to make the photograph!).
In addition, as most markets have, there was entertainment. Three very serious young people were playing Bluegrass music and doing a great job. It was refreshing to see young people enjoying music and we know they will continue playing music and enjoy doing so.
As much as we enjoy purchasing fresh and homemade items, it is the interaction with the farmers that we have missed the most. Learning about their farms, products, growing methods and getting to know the farmer is as important as buying their products. It also gives us a chance to express our appreciation to them for what they do. Without them, access to products picked or processed that day or a day or so before we purchase them would not be possible.
Upon leaving the farmers market, we felt refreshed and renewed. As we begin to travel, we will be looking for farmers markets on our route.
