Posted: Sunday, November 18, 2007 12:00 am
Steady rain, wind did little to dampen the spirits of the final outdoor one of the season
By Jennifer Nitson
CORVALLIS Gazette-Times
Though Saturday was the last day of the season for the Corvallis Farmers' Market on First Street along the riverfront, only the most intrepid shoppers braved the wind and pouring rain in their quest for fresh produce.
Raincoats and boots were the fashion choices of the day for most at the weekly community event that runs spring through fall each year, but some insisted on slogging through the market in flip flops.
Looking spiffy in their rain ponchos of contrasting blue and red, Corvallis residents Annette Mills and David Eckert parked their bikes before checking out the vegetables, nuts, mushrooms and other items available.
"We wouldn't have missed this," said Mills as water from the edge of a vendor's canopy dripped into the hood of her poncho. "The Farmers' Market is an event. You see people. You have a chance to visit with friends. You learn a lot."
The Corvallis Farmers' Market is a big part of why the couple moved to town last year and they buy a lot of their food there. From the berries, sweet peas and asparagus of spring and early summer to the squash, onions and potatoes offered as the season ends in late fall, Mills and Eckert have an abundance of items to choose from.
"It is increasingly important for us to be supporting our local farms," Mills said. "The more we can buy locally produced fruits and veggies and other products in our area, it cuts down tremendously on transportation costs and fossil fuels."
James Sneed stood under a protective canopy, selling produce from Sunbow Farm southwest of town. He enjoys the interaction with customers at the market. Having worked for larger organic farming operations, Sneed enjoys the direct connection with consumers at the Corvallis Farmers' Market.
"There's this bond between the farmers and the people, and people come out and the rain doesn't dampen it," Sneed said. "I believe that nature is so abundant in gifts to us and a farmer has a special chance to pass that abundance on to other people. The best place to pass that abundance on is at the market, because people get full value for what they spend."
Any produce left over at the end of the day was destined for local restaurants, stores and Thanksgiving dinner, Sneed said.
"Part of surviving as a small farmer is to be flexible and versatile and to have backup markets and backup places for things," he explained.
Sunbow Farm might also sell at the Corvallis Indoor Winter Market that will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 12 and 26, Feb. 9 and 23 and March 8 and 22 in Guerber Hall at the Benton County Fairgrounds.
This season's final outdoor farmers' market at the fairgrounds will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The Corvallis Farmers' Market on First Street will start up again April 19.