Once and a while we ditch all responsibilities and disappear downtown to the PHX Farmer's Market.
Farmers markets are a ground level view into a community. These markets bring together artists, farmers, craftsmen, and characters. It's a place to people watch, shop, eat and listen to local music.
The PHX Market is a relatively young market. It has been a few months since we attended last and we were amazed at the growth! In speaking with some of the vendors we learned that enough money has been raised to open a permanant market store and revamp the crude parking lot that transforms itself each Saturday. We are thrilled.
Phoenix, as a city, is 
in its teenage years, defining itself right now, and the progress of this farmers market is evidence of this growth. This is a metropolis morphing itself into one of the largest cities in the US. The longer I live here the more I like this city and I appreciate these growing traditons that are springing up across the Valley.
The market also serves as an outstanding teaching opportunity for our kids. Hattie and Neeley bring their earned money and look forward to visiting the "soap lady" (see picture above), the "heart necklace lady", and looking at all the dogs with their even more interesting owners. Taani is on a first-name basis with an amazing jewlery artist, and I love my fresh baked bread and locally made cheese spread (a total treat).
Today I realized we are part of this city. We are contributors (in a small way) to this growing community and we have come to respect and value the entrepreneurs that come out each week and share their talents with the rest of us. The people are so friendly with the kids and know them now - it is a special and simple family treat. From fresh herbs to brilliant flowers the market is always alive and thriving.
Go support your local farmers market. It is a glimpse of what your area/city has to offer all bundled in a nice package each week. There's something about the simpleness of the market and those that operate the booths that remind us to keep our lives simple, decluttered from the pursuit of stuff. It exposes my kids to art, music, interesting people and also provides them a chance to earn money during the week to spend at the market.
If you are in PHX go to http://www.foodconnect.org/phoenixmarket/index.asp. See you there!
