The Dane County Farmers' Market is a long-standing tradition in Madison. For those of us searching for signs of spring, the farmers' market is a wonderful reminder that summer is also on its way. From mid-April through early November, Saturday-morning voyagers make their way to Capitol Square. Here, eager eyes and wallets are poised to buy in-season produce, meat products, cheese, flowers and so much more.
My first trip to the farmers' market was early in my freshman year, and despite the early wake-up call, I have been a regular market-goer ever since. The hardest part for me is that my alarm goes off earlier on those warm Saturdays than it does when I have to get up for class.
However, in order to get the most for your time, getting there before 8 a.m. really pays off. Since the actual selling starts at 6:30 a.m., the most sought-after booths definitely lose selection right away. However, there is a silver lining - being able to go back to bed after buying my coveted squeaky cheese curds is truly a wonderful feeling.
So, you made it to the square, canvas bag in hand. Now what? Go buy stuff! No matter what your favorite food is, you'll be able to find something that tickles your taste buds. I'm not kidding - there are booths that sell beef, chicken, venison, rabbit and ostrich. Other farmers sell in-season produce, ranging from cucumbers to mushrooms to tomatoes (and most are all-natural and pesticide-free.)
Meat and produce are nice, but the market has other food and specialty items as well. Other homemade items such as honey, jam, maple syrup and pies are sold at various points, often by a few different vendors. You can even buy dozens of types of flowers, all within a student's price range.
All the food vendors occupy the outside ring of the Capitol Square sidewalk, but they are not the only attraction of the farmers' market. The inside ring is filled with tables dispersing political (and often activist-based) information. These tables fill the area during campaigns but are also focused on issues such as abuse and civil rights.
If you look across the street, other non-market vendors, food stands and musicians hoping to snag some attention and a few bucks from those either coming to or leaving the square add to the ambiance of the mornings.
Overall, the farmers' market is a wonderful place to support local merchandise and get out in the sun. Whether you're there for one thing or 20, you'll be sure to find exactly what will keep you going until next week.
Circling the Capitol in search of the freshest next Saturday? E-mail Claire at crwiese@wisc.edu and make plans to see her there.
