News

Last year for market ends on high note

The outdoor season of the Dane County Farmers’ Market came to an end Saturday with beautiful sunny and warm weather and crowds of Minnesota fans touring Capitol Square.

Bob Willard, co-owner of Ela Orchard in Rochester, Wis., said the season went well overall and the weather could not be beat.

“We all enjoy the last market whether it’s weather like this or 10 degrees below zero and blowing snow up State Street,” Willard said.

Willard said he believes the Farmers’ Market is a success because there is a direct connection between the farmers who grow the products and the people who eat them.

This echoes the mission statement of the Farmers’ Market, stating the bazaar allows the elimination of third parties in the selling process and enables farmers and people from the community to socialize.

Tom Krall of Deerfield Greenhouse said while many grocery stores would not buy products from local farmers, residents from the area still can. Visiting the Farmers’ Market is a way to purchase fresh and unique products while supporting Wisconsin growers, he added.

Besides offering fresh fruits, the market also works to improve the variety and nutritional value of farm products, according to its mission statement.

More than 300 booths at the market include everything from cheese and honey, fruits and vegetables to plants and dried flowers, earning the event the title of largest farmers’ market in the United States, according to the market website. Apples and pumpkins dominate the fall seasons, whereas spring and summer bring fresh flowers and fruits.

Many of the booths are family owned and operated, with children helping their parents during the busy Saturdays.

Craig Sidor, an employee of Pilgrim’s Pantry in South Wayne, Wis., said he believes Farmers’ Market products are of a higher quality than those available at a typical grocery store.

“I think people take extra care and attention to what they grow and have customers’ best interest in their mind,” Sidor said.

Hope Wallace, a University of Wisconsin junior, said the Farmers’ Market offers more than just the food and social atmosphere.

“When I was little we used to drive up from Illinois every October to buy a pumpkin and enjoy the Madison political scene,” Wallace said. “I think Madison’s Farmers’ Market is the only place where you can start a verbal fight with a Perot or Nader supporter and then try free cheese samples.”

The lawn and steps of the Capitol building are reserved for non-profit, political and public information booths. While strolling along the booths, visitors can observe numerous activists passing out flyers.

Many craft vendors line up between the three museums at the intersection of State Street and Capitol Square, selling accessories from hats to jewelry. Street musicians play around the square, including bagpipers, who were outside the new Irish pub Saturday.

About 60 vendors will re-open the Farmers’ Market for its indoor season on Nov. 13 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. The market will then move to the Madison Senior Center Jan. 8.