CAVEAT: As I write this, Hurricane Florence is making her way to the coast. Please check the LFM FaceBook page for updates on our status for Saturday. Fingers crossed.
But as for last Saturday, again we defied the drops. Despite the weather, the vendors set their shoulders, set up their stands and the weekly LFM settled in for the day… by 10 a.m. we had chased the rain away to wherever it is the rain goes. Oobladi, ooblada.
Part of the wonder of September is that we’re always wondering…warm? Chilly? Sleeveless or sweater? Swingy shifts or…gasp…jeans? And, let’s face it, we’re never ready right on cue.
But for sure, change is coming and even kind of welcome once we catch up. All of a sudden there’s a hankerin’ for soups and slow-cooked stews, with flavors rich and deep and earthy. Comfort food. Those thick-fleshed acorn, gooseneck and butternut squash. News flash: they’re not just for decorating your doorstep. Don’t let those thick skins and funky shapes scare you…try them roasted and stuffed, slicked up with some brown sugar, or scooped and pureed into thick creamy soups. So, go on…get your gourd on.
And speaking of earthy…and funky: let’s talk mushrooms! No, not ‘shrooms! And not the ones that just started cropping up on your lawn, either. I’m talking incredible edibles. Of course, you already knew that nearby Kennett Square is the center of the universe when it comes to fungi farming, right? But if you’re visualizing that little brown button, or even the flat top of the rich porcini that live in the Acme produce aisle, you haven’t even scratched the surface. No sir! Blooming in amazing colors, shapes and exotic names, it’s easy to see how the mushroom imbedded itself as a major player in whodunnits and magic potions. Well, it’s true that some mushrooms can kill, and as for the magic, that’s true too, but not lethal. The real alakazam! of the mushroom is how good they are for you. So if you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the KSS/Midnight Mushrooms tent, be sure to stop by this Saturday. Prepare to be amazed.
NOTE: We heard you…and so we’re happy to announce that Gail of Gail’s Farm of Vineland, NJ will be sharing their tent and selling her farm fresh eggs.
Some sweet relief…
In truth, the relief from the heat of the past month was, well….a relief! So maybe this is a good time to tell everyone about that Kiss My Soul will be back this week…and if next week is as wet as this one, you’re gonna want to just light one of Sara’s candle (are you ready for pumpkin spice and other fall scents?) and curl up on the couch. Stay cozy, my friends.
We’re also expecting Creative Shepherd…and that usually means something totally unexpected will be part of the deal. Alpaca blankets were the hit of last season. So be sure to check out the table…oh…and the cheese!
And as always, for a complete list of vendors each week, please visit the LFM website or our FB page.
In the Music Tent (we hope): Lansdowne Symphony String Quartet One of the real jewels in our crown…getting ready to kick off the LSO season Sunday, November 4. Gift yourself or a music lover near you to a subscription for all five concerts. Another caveat: Because of the impact of moisture on their delicate instruments, this appearance is subject to cancellation due to weather. Toes crossed.
Artist of the Week: A Heather Bag…wearable art. One-of-a-kind bags and pouches fashioned from upcycled fabrics.
Special Guest table: Lansdowne Votes. A non-partisan initiative.
Make sure that you and everyone of voting age in your house is registered to vote on Nov. 6. There will also be information about precinct locations, and how to learn more about each of the candidates on the ballot. Your vote; your voice.
Still to come: Prepare your pooches: Sept 25 is Doggie Day!
See you at the LFM!
-Terry Baraldi, A Village Voice