If the farmers and growers felt worried when they pulled their trucks into the barren gravel lot on Ingersoll Street two blocks south of East Washington Avenue on June 11 for the first Eastside Farmers' Market, by the time an hour had passed their concerns were gone. There's hardly a house in sight of the market location, but neighbors arrived from all directions to buy fresh produce, meats, eggs, bakery, and potted plants.

The market runs from 4-7 pm every Tuesday, and when I arrived about 5:00, there were no parking spots for cars for nearly a block around. Many other shoppers came on bikes or on foot.

Some farmers came from nearby in Dane County, while others drove two hours or more from places like Viroqua, Fall River, and Loganville. Everyone I asked said they were looking forward to a full season of selling at the new market, and wanted to get to know us individually so they could share information about their farms and serve our needs better. They were curious as to where we all lived! I explained the market location was right between two lively neighborhoods, Tenney-Lapham to the north and Wil-Mar to the south, though they could not see our houses from Ingersoll Street.

I enjoyed viewing pictures of several farmers' operations and learning about how purebred Berkshire pigs are raised, how heirloom lettuce is protected from deer, and much more. The love and hard work each farmer pours into their business was evident at every stand, and after an hour of shopping and picture-taking, I left with a big smile on my face and a feeling of optimism for the new little market, for our neighborhoods, and even for our planet as it is tended by such careful and dedicated people.

Here are some of the sights and people at the first market. The energy and effort are in place -- now the last step is up to us! I encourage everyone in Tenney-Lapham to take advantage of this wonderful neighborhood market, planned to run every Tuesday afternoon throughout the summer.

Support our regional farmers and growers and take home some delicious, organic produce.

- Mary Pulliam

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