Last week, while driving through Mt. Pleasant, S.C. on a Tuesday evening, my husband and I happened upon a big fiesta in the middle of a school baseball field.

At least, it looked like a fiesta. There were tents set up, live bluegrass music was playing and we could smell barbecue. But then we saw the sign “Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s Market” and decided to check it out.

Obviously, it was a temporary farmer’s market. But we were excited by the mix of fresh vegetables and seafood, canned goods, honey, homemade tea bags, prepared barbecue dinners, baked goods and music all in one spot.

There were even people cooking huge, gourmet crepes to order at one booth (see pic)!

It got me thinking about farmer’s markets and what makes a good one. It’s an important question now as Roanoke leaders ponder the very best use of our market space. Should it be all food? Should prepared food be available? What about the crafts? Do they have a place there?

Read more »