A snippet of the Faribault Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning.
IT IS A PLACE of conversation and crafty creations, of canned garden goods and garden fresh produce, of homemade breads and muffins and sweet treats.
That, my friends, defines the Faribault Farmers’ Market in one swoop of a summary sentence.
Break that sentence down and you will meet Ken, the weaver; Bernie, the woodcrafter; Judy, the card maker; Sandi, the gardener; Denny, the candy maker; Rhonda, the crafter; Pat, the re-purposer of stuff; and many more vendors.
Bernie’s woodcrafted goods, right.
Saturday morning my husband and I shopped our local farmers’ market in Faribault’s Central Park because we appreciate these folks who work with their hands to bring us all that edible goodness, all those crafty creations, all those beautiful flowers and more.
Sandi’s stunning Asiatic lilies.
Cauliflower, from the chemical-free fields of a market vendor, in its natural, sun-exposed color.
More market flowers from a vendor who always sells beautiful, mixed bouquets.
We purchased Swiss chard, a bag of mixed green lettuce, red potatoes, cauliflower, a card to celebrate the birth of our new great nephew and four salted peanut bars, all for $12.25.
The red potatoes we purchased from Sandi, who planted her potatoes on April 13.
But the value of our shopping experience expands beyond our purchases. The value lies also in engaging with our community, with those who are our neighbors and friends and with those who become our friends through our conversations at the market.
Ken of Wegner Weavers weaves these tightly woven, superb quality rugs, runners, placemats and coasters.
After chatting with Ken, the weaver, I was blessed with one of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received. Ken didn’t know me except as an occasional shopper. But he told me how much he enjoyed our visit, that I spoke in a comforting way. And, you know, I nearly cried for the unsolicited kindness of the weaver’s words weaving into my heart.
The vintage portable radio Ken, the weaver, brings with him to the market. In my opinion, Ken doesn’t need a radio; he makes music with his words. He says he doesn’t play the radio often as it can detract from business.
Satisfied customers leave the market with fresh onions.
Bernie’s kitschy yard art.
FYI: The Faribault Farmers’ Market is open from 7 a.m. – noon on Saturdays. Beginning on July 11, it will also be open from 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesdays.
© Copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Oh I love markets like this!!! We have a couple in Mason City—one is the North Iowa Farm Market on Tuesdays and Fridays and is right down the road from me in the Kmart parking lot. I love going to it to buy the fresh produce and the yummy baked goods. Not so many woodcrafts or things like that but my favorite candle/ soap seller has a booth and I always visit with her. Great post as usual!
There’s also a soap maker at the Faribault Farmers’ Market. I could write two weeks of posts about the market if I was so inclined.
Oh I bet!!! Camille has Soyphisticated Candles here in Mason City and has her stuff in a lot of different markets. I absolutely love her candles and if I ever move away from here I can still order them from her website so I will be happy!!! Nothing like finding good artisans that you can support!
I agree, about that supporting local artisans.
Farmers’ Markets are the best! There is one in Lanesboro (not far West of us on the Root River) that does one every Sat. a.m. throughout the summer. The really neat thing about this particular one is that it is almost completely Amish…with their bake goods, baskets, quilts AND good visiting! The park it is held in (Sylvan Park) is one of the most picturesque parks, having a stream running along one side that is perfect for fishing (especially for the youngest of anglers!). In La Crosse there are so many markets that we don’t really put in a full garden any more but patronize these. One, held on Friday evenings across from the food coop in LaX, has live music, also. So many opportunities to connect with neighbors!!!
Thanks for the info on your local farmers’ markets. Would love to attend that Amish-based one in Lanesboro as I am quite fascinated by the Amish lifestyle. We bought a blueberry pie from an Amish woman and her daughters at their mini market in Osakis last summer. It was the BEST pie.
Yes, they DO have a way with ingredients!!!!
[…] the on-line world. All that changed early this month when I e-mailed my blogging friend, Audrey, at Minnesota Prairie Roots that I’d be visiting her town for a play and could we possibly meet up like at a park or […]
What a great place to do your shopping. I love the look of those sun-kissed cauliflowers. Farmers Markets are the best way to shop.
I had some of that sun-kissed (love that phrase) cauliflower today and it was fantastic. You are such an inspiration in the kitchen. I wish I possessed even a fourth of your culinary talent or even the desire to embrace cooking. You are teaching me about all types of intriguing foods and ingredients.
I love Farmer’s markets…this one looks particularly wonderful! The lily photo is amazing, and I love Ken’s rugs.
Yes, I was pleased with the lily image, quite pleased. As for Ken’s rugs, I’ve never seen any as well made as his, except those woven by my Uncle Bob, who lives in Arkansas. If you ever are looking for a rug, let me know and I’ll put you in touch with Ken. That goes for any of you readers out there.
I love Farmer’s Markets. We need rain so badly here – the market hasn’t had much produce yet…
I was surprised at how much produce was available. Some of the growers got their crops in way earlier than normal due to that exceptionally warm March.
Yes, here, too, though the lack of rain has slowed things down – I have a friend at the market who promises corn in two weeks!
Ah fresh sweetcorn. One of my favorite summer treats.