More than a Market

I’ve been following a string of comments on Laura Steiger’s Bellingham Herald blog with interest, and a touch of sadness. In response to Laura’s joyous account of her experiences on the first day of the market, a few community members are grousing about their perception that the market is over-priced and targeting a demographic other than their own.

While everyone’s perception of value or affordability will always be different, I worry that many would-be market-goers may lose out on some of the best aspects of the market. The beauty of our local market is the community that grows from it. On any given Saturday, I enjoy free music; I run into old friends and ultimately make new ones; my son learns from the activities often offered on the Kid’s Vending days; local chefs show me new recipe ideas at the Chef in the Market booth; I learn about the great work of nonprofits in the community; I get advice direct from a grower on why my tomato plants aren’t maturing; or I simply soak up the jubilant atmosphere.

Obviously, others must feel this same sense of community. I’ve seen people celebrate their birthdays at the market. I’ve seen “Hamsters” show off the market to their out-of-town guests. I’ve seen families enjoying each other’s company. And, thanks to this past weekend, I’ve now seen a marriage proposal at the market (a successful one, I might add!).

I, for one, do not have a lot of disposable income, but I appreciate the opportunity to purchase items directly from my farmer and crafter neighbors in an effort to support local commerce. But more than that, I appreciate the spirit of the market and I know that my family and my community are better off for it.