July 18, 2018
Another beautiful Saturday at the LFM. Are you bored yet? I didn’t think so.
How could anyone be immune to the barrage of bounty…and by mid-July, it’s at its peak. A circuit of the produce vendors says most of the crops are right on schedule. Local peaches (clingstones now, freestones a little later) will be increasingly abundant in the coming weeks; and tomatoes are now honest-to-goodness sun ripened. You can get a tan just eating one.
BTW: if you read my last newsletter (and you did, right?), I can now say, based on home trial, that the tomato tart I linked was not only gorgeous, but simple to make and simply delicious. If you didn’t…ouch!…go back and find it or just look here while l lick my hurt feelings, and possibly a water ice, and move on.
I can also tell you first-hand that this year’s corn is toe-curling sweet and tender. Had to kick off my shoes to eat an ear. The history of corn is almost as old as man…and way too many paths to go down here. But did you know that the Native Americans (north and south) knew that to get the nutrients from their corn, they had to treat it with wood ash (lye)? How did they know to do that? Or how to do that? Maybe they GOOGLED it?
But I digress…back to 2018 and our LFM: In case you haven’t noticed, we draw a very diverse crowd here. It’s not surprising to see silk saris and headscarves alongside body ink, peek-a-boo sundresses and short shorts. So it also isn’t surprising that our food choices are also becoming even more eclectic. And our food vendors are responding, like Rebecca’s Dumplings, who now offers a vegan version of her famous little pouches.
NOTE: If you have a favorite veg or vegan food that you buy here, please let me know so that I (shameless carnivore) can let others know. And get a Market Buck for sharing.
This week is your next chance to enjoy Cheryl’s Southern Style…her beef brisket is my fave. Be sure to get extra napkins!
Red Brick Craft Distillery is back with some spirited ways to beat the heat, or at least not notice it so much. I can personally vouch for the Pineapple Rum (research is hell, but somebody’s gotta). Pour it over The Icery’s pineapple or coconut water ice and go to your happy place.
And, Creative Shepherd…well, ya never know what you’re gonna find there. Something to eat? Something to wear? For sure, something you won’t find anywhere else.
In the Music Tent: Grey Dog Down New age sounds and rhythms featuring Lansdowne’s own premier flautist, Kim Robeson, and guitarist Russell Ferrara. Lansdowne has grown into a mecca for amazing artists of all genres. Ms. Robeson is one of them. I first heard Kim play in the lobby of the Historic Lansdowne Theater. Haunting, lovely, memorable.
Artist of the Week: Genninak Creations Amazing, mesmerizing fiber art. Try and follow the threads.
CALENDAR ALERT: Kid Day July 28! Calling all kids: See the view from the window of a real fire engine! All the bells and whistles, too! Our friendly local police force and the Lansdowne Library will be on hand as well. Also: music by Joy’s Band Camp! A Joy-ful noise! Games, farmers market tattoos (of course they wash off, but if you wanted to get some permanent ink of the LFM logo, who am I to argue?), things to do and see, fun to be had.
Did you have to miss a meal this week? Probably not…but you should know that some of your neighbors may have. Right here in our town. This week, with the funds collected so far for the Community Cupboard, I was able to purchase cans of stew, grape jelly and some dog food. So I thank all of you who dropped a dollar or three into the jar. It was money well spent. PLEASE give to this very worthy effort. Donate in the jar, or pick up one of the pre-addressed envelopes and send a check.
ALSO, while this heat lasts, please make sure to check on your elderly or disabled neighbors to make sure they at least have a fan and are staying hydrated. Thank you!
TRUTH: Helping someone, even a little, does wonders for your self-esteem. So, help yourself!
See you at the Market!
-Terry Baraldi, A Village Voice