If you are looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, the Louisville Farmer’s Market, at Louisville Coliseum, is the place to be each Friday afternoon from 3:30 until 5:30. The Market is open to farmers and gardeners within a 50 mile radius, and there is no charge for setting up a table. And there is a vast array of produce to choose from including tomatoes, peas, beans, squash, cucumbers, okra, watermelons, cantaloupes and more.
When asked why they shop at the Farmer’s Market, a number of patrons stated that the produce is fresh and tastes much better that what can be purchased in a grocery store, and it is also a way to support local growers.
On Friday, July 20, those selling ranged in age from 11-year-old Kaylin Smith to 89-year-old Christine Waldrip. Smith said that she enjoys coming to the Market because she gets to sell some of her products and making money is fun. For sale she had squash, cucumbers, pepper sauce and even cookies and pink lemonade. Waldrip was selling her home-grown watermelons and cantaloupes which she planted herself. Her granddaughter, Angel Moore said that they can’t keep her out of the garden.
L.C. Hines had a number of canned goods on display and stated that he enjoys the Market as a way to meet people, and the merchandise is less expensive and fresher, and it is definitely better tasting.
Eight-year-old Amber McCormick said that she likes the Market because she enjoys shopping and she was in the market for sweet pickles. Her 11-year-old sister, Kyla stated she enjoys the fresh fruits and vegetables. Their mother Samantha said the produce is delicious and she likes the idea of supporting local people.
Jean Harper said, “People can come out and purchase home-grown, fresh, healthy vegetables, and they get a chance to look at it, ask questions about it and if they want to have a conversation with the farmers they can.”
Jordan Harris, a 17-year-old volunteer, stated that he enjoys helping out, and it is a great satisfaction to lend a hand.
