Farm market fresh

The outside farm market in Appleton begins in late June and continues through the end of October and it is incredible. Right in the heart of downtown, College Avenue is closed off for several blocks and hundreds of farmers set up their tents and tables, displaying gorgeous fresh vegetables and fruits for sale. The entire street is full of people, literally tens of thousands, walking past the tables, choosing food, seeing friends and neighbors, and enjoying the sights and sounds. The colors of the snap peas, such a delectable green. Beans, green, yellow wax, mounds of them, just asking to be taken home and enjoyed. Tomatoes in every shade, red, yellow, orange, pink, striped, heirlooms bursting with flavor, I can just taste the juiciness. One vendor has the most impeccable fresh homegrown oyster mushrooms, what a treat. There's live music, and delicious street food available as well. T he vendors are local Wisconsin farmers, some travel an hour or so to get here. Lots are certified organic and display their signs and food proudly. Theres free range eggs, lots of flowers, and unusual things like elderberries in season. During the fall, trucks filled to the brim with sweet corn gathers lots of buyers, and pumpkins and squashes add to the delight. Chefs come downtown and buy whats in season, to create mouthwatering dishes for their customers. The farmer market has become THE place to be on Saturday morning, and when its in full swing, I'll post lots of pictures to share.