Market moves
Courthouse
fire sends
Farmers Market packing to Broadway
Shady
spot at the fountain
is a hit with customers, vendors
By
Tara Gentile
Contributing Writer
(July 2009) – In the wake of the May 20 fire
at the Jefferson County Courthouse, the Farmer’s Market has found
a suitable and historically significant location at the Broadway Fountain
on Broadway Street.
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|
Photo
by Don Ward The
Farmers Market is a big social |
The market left the courthouse lawn, which it has called
home for the past two years. Interestingly, the new location at the
fountain isn’t a first for the market. The fountain was the site
of the market in 1840.
Dave Adams, the market’s longtime manager and also Madison’s
clerk-treasurer, says there had been talk of moving the market before
the fire. Adams said that, along with the fountain, a spot on the river
had been considered but was dismissed in favor of a more centralized
location. The market located at the riverfront at the foot of Jefferson
Street and Vaughn Drive for the June 6 Madison Bicentennial kickoff
Saturday. Many liked the shady trees and serene view of the river. But
market vendors said there wasn’t enough foot traffic.
“People often forget about things on the riverfront. We wanted
a place that sees lots of foot traffic,” said Adams.
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Photo by Don Ward Gary
Duckworth |
The fountain offers more than a few conveniences that
the courthouse lawn did not. Both restrooms and electricity are now
easily accessible to vendors and customers, not to mention a thick shade
that couldn’t be found at the courthouse location.
Suzan Duckworth and her husband, Gary, own Paradise Cover Catering.
Almost every Saturday morning for the past four years they have set
up a temporary kitchen in which they use lots of local produce to make
breakfast for the market’s crowd. The new location seems to work
well for both vendors and customers, according to Duckworth.
“It’s a lot easier to accommodate everyone,” she said.
“That’s one big plus of the move. And, of course, the shade
makes a huge difference. Everyone is staying a lot cooler.”
The Madison Farmer’s Market has brought fresh produce and baked
goods to the area since 1818. In the past few years, additions have
been made to the market experience. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., customers can find a fresh breakfast and live
music. Broadway Street is closed to vehicles heading northbound from
West Main Street to Third Street while the market is operating.
“Most people don’t know, but the majority of our produce in
local stores comes from 1,500 miles away,” Adams said. “But
the Farmer’s Market brings it you fresh from the garden. It’s
one way society can get back to the farm.”
• For more information about the Madison Farmers Market, call Dave Adams at Madison City Hall at (812) 265-8300.