The Gainesville Farmer's Market

The Gainesville Farmer's Market

By KIRK WEDEKIND

The Gainesville Farmer's Market springs to life every Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 pm at the downtown community plaza. A convergence and celebration of local and (mostly) organic food, art, and people, this market is a can't-miss for hungry aesthetes. This market has it all.

Wander through the plants, vegetables, baked goods, jewelry, etc., or sit out on the lawn and watch the hula-hoopers twirl. Check out the music on stage or relax on a bench with some friends and family. Choose your favorite tantalizing flavor of Althea Wright's handmade 100% soy soaps, with a new flavor every week. This week's freshest offerings: dreamsicle (oranges and vanilla) and monkey farts (bananas and fruit, naturally).

"What else do monkeys eat?" she asks with a smile as the aroma commanded my appreciation.

You can pick up angelic orchids from Rosie's booth and while you are there check out her monstrous grapefruits and perfectly in-season tangerines. Walking through the plaza you can stop by the SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) "Free Store," which is exactly what it sounds like: take what you want or leave something for someone else to find.

There are local organic no-hormone added meats, raw milk, eggs, and cheese. You might love the Pochteca Handcrafts (silver, stone, and seed jewelry) made by Sylvestre Hernandes, or peruse the beautiful work of Turtle, who sets her jewelry booths up on the lawn (and is known for her sublime life-advice). And don't forget to grab some briochettes and croissants from 

Nathalie Fosse of The Flourpot Bakery-a French bakery located in the Tioga Town Center when not at market.

Everywhere you look at this market you will see a graceful dance-like mixture of moving colors, textures, patterns, and smells.

"The garden is an ecosystem," says Haley West of Comet Farm in Union County. She and her partner, Scott Edmundson grow vegetables, fruit trees, herbs, and grains at their 100% organic farm. They still get pests, but working within the  natural order brings the ecosystem into a healthy 

balance. After all, you are what you eat.

"Basically, we focus on sustainability," they say. They could be talking just about their farm, but it seems to ring true for the ecosystem of this market.