Every Saturday during the summer months (early May through October), Burlington, Vermont’s City Hall Park hosts its weekly Farmers Market and Artists Market from around 9am-2pm (don’t quote me on exact times). It’s been a few years since I’ve been to the Farmer’s Market, since I live a little outside town now, but for the past couple of weeks, I’ve gone in for the Farmer’s Market and I have to say, I’m impressed with how much it’s grown during that time. When I used to go, it was pretty much an opportunity for local farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers. Now, you can buy fruits, berries, vegetables, herbs, decorative plants, home-baked breads and donuts, homemade honey, goat cheese, and more. You can also purchase a wide variety of artwork and Vermont crafts such as fabric purses, jewelry, beeswax candles, etc. There are several food vendors staked out in spots around the park selling savory ethnic foods, including Tibetan. There are two vendors not far from each other who go by the names “Samosa Man” and “Tamale Girl”–like some food-oriented superhero club. The food is popular. It’s a great cheap lunch.

This past Saturday, Project Porchlight held its volunteer rally during the Farmer’s Market with live music from the local funk, R&B and soul band Resouled and free Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and American Flatbread. The park was crowded with people just meandering about, some walking their dogs, some pushing strollers, some eating, some reading the newspaper, others just sitting around enjoying the summer. Resouled put on a good show, especially their version of Mustang Sally. We had one of those interesting Vermont rains in the afternoon where it was sprinkling but the sun was shining simultaneously. It really didn’t send anyone dashing for the indoors or slow anyone down. I sat there on the steps of City Hall, relaxing and overlooking the scene and thought that one of the things I miss the most about living downtown is this: Saturdays in the Park.