It started off a little rainy but that didn’t stop people from coming out for the opening of the 2008 Des Moines Farmers Market!
A few changes have been made this year to help keep the crowds moving in the right directions. All vendors booths must face in towards the street and away from the sidewalks. I had reservations over this change, but it really worked out nicely. I was able to make my way down one side of the street and not have to weave from sidewalk to street in order to see all the products for sale. Another change was no vendor vehicles or trailers left on the streets. I’m sure it’s a pain for setting up, but again, the flow is greatly improved.
Many vendors have changed positions this year. From chatting with a couple, the moves were not all by choice. Fortunately, the market lays over three blocks with a couple of side streets and it’s very easy to make the entire round of booths in an hour and a half.
Des Moines Farmers Market is pet friendly. You see dozens of dogs of all sizes and breeds on leashes. New this year is the restriction that all leashes must not exceed three feet. This didn’t seem to be an issue today as most pets are kept close to their owner anyway.
Since it’s early in the season, the majority of vendors are selling plants & flowers. There were a few spots selling fresh vegetables including green beans, new potatoes, peppers & green onions. I even saw some sweet corn… I didn’t ask, but I have to believe this was brought in from out of state… being the Farmers Market purist that I am, I did not purchase any corn on the cob today! (If you recall, I have already had my first corn last month… yes it was from out of state, but I bought it from a grocery store..)
Purchases made today: Breakfast Burrito – $4.00, new potatoes & green beans – $2.00 each, a wicker squirrel basket – $4.00 and Kettlekorn popcorn from Brandemeyers Popcorn – 1 Large bag & two small bags for $8.00
I will be out of town for next weeks Farmers Market, but I plan on making it to as many as I can this year! The photo opportunites are endless. I’m going to play around with a little video interviews as well this year.
