If you’ve followed my other blog at all, you know that I am slightly obsessed with Farmer’s Markets. I love the local food, the arts, the ENERGY, and excitement of so many people bustling about. Word on the streets is that theMadison’s Farmer’s Market is ranked #2 in the nation after San Francisco…after hearing that, I knew we had to go!
As we drove down the street toward the square, we could see the capitol building looming ahead. We found a parking spot…surprisingly close…and proceeded to walk toward the chaos. The vendors were set up all around the square…and the crowd was moving quite quickly. As we were trying to weasel our way in, I felt like we were merging onto a busy highway! The quality of food was amazing. There is a 3-year waiting list to be a vendor at this market…they have very strict rules about who can be there. You have to be an agriculturally-related producer with products from Wisconsin only. Being that it was Wisconsin, there was an abundance of cheese vendors…and then of course, the expected bright and beautiful seasonal produce. Apples, pumpkins, and squash were in abundance. I didn’t buy a lot (we have a small fridge!)…but I did grab some cheese curds, apples, and some organic cilantro.
After we walked around once, Matt took off to go have our car looked at (tire issues)…and Bella and I stayed to explore a bit more. There were drumming groups, street artists, musicians, and a parade. From the center of the capitol area, we could hear a peace rally going on…with people shouting and voicing their support to end the war. In the grassy area around the square, couples and families were stretched out in the grass. It was “game day” as well…The Badgers and The Hawkeyes, which made for even more revelry. The smells, the sounds, the people, the warm autumn sunshine…the energy was electric. I could have stayed all day!
Bella and I ventured over to the Madison Children’s Museum (something she had been talking about since we arrived!). Admission was free that day because they were having a kid’s peace festival. I had just as much fun as she did taking in the atmosphere….it was very “Waldorf-inspired“, with beautiful colors and textures, and lots of hiding spots for little people.
What a treasure the community of Madison has in it’s downtown area and in the market…it was wonderful.
Photo album here.
God how I love those squeaky cheese curds! I miss Wisconsin.
Comment by Rene — September 26, 2007 @ 7:00 pm