Farmers' Markets Vs. Street Fairs

 Farmers' Markets

Farmers' markets are one of the oldest forms of direct marketing by small farmers. From the traditional "mercados" in the Peruvian Andes to the unique street markets in Asia, growers all over the world gather weekly to sell their produce directly to the public. In the last decade they have become a favorite marketing method for many farmers throughout the United           States, and a weekly ritual for many shoppers.
In a farmers' market, a group of farmers sell their products once or twice a week at a designated public place like a park or parking lot. Some farmers' markets have live entertainment. Shopping at a farmers' market is a great way to meet local farmers and get fresh, flavorful produce. 
       The above is a definition of a Farmers' Market.  I am still not sure what that means because I don't know of any farmers that are within 50 miles of where I live.  I don't get the whole idea of a farmers market, or why such a fuss is made of it here in Florida. First and Foremost......please do not confuse the picture above as that of a Farmer's Market ??????????? It is a Street Fair in NY...........Whew........is there a difference ?????????

      Yes......there is.........and it is the picture above this......This is the market I was at this morning. This is the market that everyone talks about and says how wonderful it is on a Sunday morning.  WTF.....are most local people crazy ????  This is like a bad dream to anyone from the north, or has lived in a big city.  It is a disgrace to even call it a Farmer's Market...... Driving up is fun......You can park in a nice reserved space with plenty of Police cars, and police all over the place. There are also plenty of Firefighters all over the place......There is no smell of sausage , onions, franks, and all the other good fried things that are sold at Street Fairs......There are however plenty of booths with Pickle's and one or two types of olives.  There are plenty of booths with bread and danish......There are plenty of booths with funny types of Oils, soaps, jewelery, flowers, It is not very exciting, but oh so orderly with people just strolling around and buying some tomatoes, flowers, pickles , bread, and some assorted produce.  There are no personalities. There are no fun things. There is no loud yelling or hawking as you go by.  There is total boredom throughout this market.  It is only open on Sundays during the season and I think from 8 until 1 pm. 

      This is exactly what it looks like.  I guess I should not complain. It is a place where walkers, canes, and calm do prevail.  It is also a place where one can purchase crap for more money than in the local retail store.  God Bless America.

       Now this is a Farmer's Market  aka Street Fair.  Call it whatever the fuck you want, but this is what it should be.  It should be noisy, smokey from all the unhealthy foods being grilled, fried in oils, or whatever, it should be unruly, it should be crowded, and most important , it should be fun. It should be a place where you see all kinds of characters, it should be a place where all colors and races get to show off their native foods, it should be colorful, and most important it should be free to get in.  I am not opposed to local street fairs in small communities, but just don't understand the reasoning behind them.  I guess you can take the boy out of New York, but you can never take New York out of the boy..........I miss you NY, and the wonderful Street Fairs.........(And as for you Florida, with your wimpy Farmers' Markets..............................I say shove all those pickles you know where.