Market Report

 Another revolution around the sun
Have you been to a birthday party lately? Have you wondered why, for this one individual, all these people gather to celebrate that milestone reached by the passing of another 365 days? I have come to feel that the many celebrate the one … and the many at the same time.
Where would anyone of us be without our friends? Without our family? Without introduction of the new people that come into our lives? Without the varied topography of our experiences? Another 365 days in any life is a cause worth celebrating for all of us involved … for that revolution was a journey of the many.
This Saturday, July 18, the Healdsburg Certified Farmers’ Market will celebrate its 37th birthday. We’ve been truckin’ fresh produce to town since 1978.
I think about all that time and reflect about the many that helped make the market what it is today. We have the friends and family: the Saturdays and Wednesdays we spend together dancing with our kids, with each other, shopping for the week, bringing in our harvest, drawing on the kids table, listening to a demonstration or just meandering and taking in the bustle with contentment.
We have the visitors that come with their bright eyes wanting to get to know the flavor of our town. And as for that varied topography … well, ask any farmer. The ups and downs of farm life are endless  – anything can happen. Mother Nature is always at work; sometimes working with you and sometimes against.
Your crops can be affected by a surprise rain in July or the lack of rain all season. There is no certainty that things will evolve to your benefit or to your misfortune. From my own experience, you never know when the compost delivery driver will take out the goat fence, leaving your goats unattended and free to munch all your seedlings in the greenhouse. You can try and prepare in advance new pasture for your largest hog to have her piglets, only to have her escape and give birth in the woods. You can calculate, work hard, pray hard and prepare, but at the end of the day things will work out how they will.
When I think of the things as a farmer you can truly count on, the only thing I can come up with is community.
I see it clearly at the farmers’ market: On Wednesday evenings, I see our market regulars make a point to buy a little something from each farmer. On Saturdays, we have our solid core of patrons who show up rain or shine to make sure their weekly shopping supports their farmers. There is an intention here that is unspoken but so very forceful.
If put to words it would sound something like “We are here walking this journey, this season with you so that you will meet me here next year for the next journey, the next season.” And in that intention, the symbiosis between community and farmer continues on. That is something to celebrate. So … let’s.
On Saturday, the bell rings as always at 9 a.m. There will be fresh produce, artisan wares, fresh cut flowers, delicious prepared foods and live music. Join us for birthday cake and coffee between 10 and 11 a.m. The Active 20-30 Club will also be there at the Kid’s Table doing face painting. Show up! You are part of the many that has driven the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market through its latest revolution and we want to celebrate you and your dedication and your success. We have made it to a healthy and happy 37.
Kenny Lowe is the manager of the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market.