Soggy Opening for Marco’s Farmers’ Market

The weather forecast for November 15th, the first day of the Marco’s Farmer’s Market, called for “scattered rain and storms to move in by midday with widespread rain and will continue through the evening and overnight.” It was lovely weather for ducks as it rained all day!

At 8:00 AM, as I drove by Veterans Park, I saw at least 10 vendor tents, but the rain was at its heaviest – so I decided to return around 10:30 AM. The weather forecasted a brief lull, and by the time I got there, half of the vendors had left. But on the upside, there were die-hard Farmers’ Market shoppers who did not mind the weather challenge and enjoyed the lack of lines and the chance to chat more with the vendors.

New this year to Marco’s Farmers’ Market is Wai Sing, with mom’s specialties offering homemade style Chinese Bao Buns, Soupy Dumplings, and Scallion Pancakes, using fresh ingredients from traditional flavors to vegan options.

What are Bao Buns? Commonly referred to as “steamed dumplings,” Bao Buns are delicious soft Chinese treats; the more traditional ones are filled with pork and veggies. How about Scallion Pancakes? Also called green onion pancakes, these are another traditional Chinese favorite and are crispy and very aromatic. The products are available in two-ounce frozen “Pop a Bao” packages with easy reheat instructions. I can’t wait to reheat my BBQ Roast Pork Bao Bun in a traditional bamboo steamer!

Jeffrey Etnoyer of Produce Buddies was giving out samples of sliced fruits. He mentioned that his sister Elizabeth and his grandmother Betty have been at the Marco location for the past 15 years. “Try it before you buy” is the best part of the Farmers’ Market experience,” added Jeffrey. 

Inyoni Organic Farm was not deterred by the rainy weather, and for many years I’ve enjoyed shopping for organic vegetables and herbs. They also have expanded by adding freshly picked flowers from their farm. They were just packing up to leave when a late shopper bought several stalks of beautiful freshly picked sunflowers. 

The rain kept the shoppers away and it did affect the vendors. Unlike the local supermarket, farmers can’t make up the following day. Unless they have a bakery - the bakers baked the bread and sweets to accommodate a large first-day crowd, and the same goes for the farmer who brought in additional freshly picked tomatoes and vegetables.

I did take home a basket of fresh local tomatoes – one reason I shop locally at the Farmers’ Market. Florida is known as the second-largest grower of tomatoes 

in the US and available fresh from small farms from October through June.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be a very busy one at your local Farmers’ Market and most likely your favorite vendors will all be back for the season.

Remember - Reusable Bags Only while you shop for fresh herbs, fruits, baked goods, sauces, honey, soaps, cheeses, hand-crafted jewelry and more from local growers and artists!

The Farmer’s Market is held every Wednesday through April 10th at Veterans’ Community Park, 901 Park Avenue, from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.