Madison Farmers' Market

On Saturday morning we went to the farmers' market on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison (see here).  The market is open year round.  However, the outdoor market runs every Wednesday and Saturday mornings from mid April until the first week of November.  On Saturdays it is held on the inner ring around the State Capitol.  During the winter, it is held indoors nearby.  The market begun in 1972 is billed as the largest producer only farmers market in the country.  There are no resales allowed--the person behind the stand is the producer of the product.  Vendors are members of a co-op and elect members to sit on the Board of Directors.  There is a currently a 5 year waiting list for vendors to sell at the market.  Though it is a market, it is also an must see experience.

On Saturday vendors offered meats including bison emu, ostrich, chicken, beef and pork.  One could purchase fresh cuts, prepared meats and even smoked and fresh trout.  Vegetables included the usual spring mix of leafy greens, rhubarb, tomatoes, onions, etc.  And of course artisan cheese (and curds!) flowers, bedding plants and baked goods (Amish pies).   Don't forget mushrooms, popcorn, honey and maple syrup!  Many of the vendors are certified organic and others advertise "no sprays." 

Literally thousands of shoppers take advantage of the market and most follow the unwritten rule and walk counter clockwise around the square.

But with all the concern about walking in the appropriate direction with the flow of the crowd and trying to remember which vendor had the best deal on what, where would one find Donna and her sister Dianne lurking?  Squeezing the tomatoes perhaps?  Perusing the spinach?  Checking the squeakiness of the cheese curds, maybe?  Not even close.

Whoopie Pie anyone?