Returning Home

It was a warm Saturday morning in middle June.  A cluster of canopies and tables located in the far corner of a strip mall parking lot signaled a gathering. There was no great pomp for this community activity, just friendly faces and cheerful hellos. Vehicles pulled right up next to the band of farmers and purveyors, people climbed out and stepping right up to make their purchases.

This was community in its simplest form. Neighbors, greeting neighbors. Fresh produces, grown on land just outside of town, piled high and on display. Fresh, delicate greens, spinach, radishes, green onions, kale, strawberries, first of the season tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, honey, bread and more! This was the Brookings Farmers Market

in my hometown of Brookings, South Dakota.

Don’t let the size fool you, it may be small, but it’s very mighty. On this particular Saturday I was home visiting my family, and we went to the Farmers Market to purchase some food for the week. I was able to purchase items for two salads, plus strawberries, tomatoes, bread, honey sticks for the kids and my mother purchased a beef package for my dad. Additionally, Jeff picked up some tasty pastries.

Not only were we able to buy delicious, locally grown produce but we also had the opportunity to speak with the different farmers and producers about their work. This was a deeply personal Farmers Market experience for me. I was really moved to the chance to return to my roots and speak with people who are working to connect with the people in their community. Although the drive and commitment is strong, it is the person to person connections that makes this market so compelling.

The Brookings Farmers Market is open May through October on Wednesdays 3-6pm and Saturdays 8am-noon in the Southeast corner of the City Plaza parking lot.