It’s that time again. You can tell by a thicker traffic on the streets and the greening of the trees. Summer is arriving. And driving past the site of the Homer Farmers Market, you can see that they have been preparing for opening this weekend.

It’s like anticipating a huge community event. Something that anybody and everybody can participate in, that anybody and everybody benefits from. This community event just so happens to be one that supports our local economy while supporting those wonderful people who persevere to grow us food here in our cosmic hamlet.

The Farmers Market offers up a little of something for everyone whether it’s food or crafts or fresh vegetables. Every year certain vendors return to provide us with that stability and predictability that we all love to see. But at the same time, there are always new folks with new products to keep it interesting.

If you take a moment to look at your feet while you are meandering between the booths this weekend, you will notice something that is new but also provides you with that stability and predictability. New pathways of smooth, packed, crushed rock. Now folks who need the aide of a walker or are pushing a stroller can meander like everyone else rather than getting stuck and bogged down in the pebbles.

It’s beautiful to be able to provide fresh produce and other goodness to everyone, but we don’t always think about how you may need a tractor, a skid steer, and a bunch of D-1 gravel. On set up day, Rick Steffen even brought his John Deere tractor to put some extra gravel in the potholes by the entrance.

This down-to-earth group of folks continues to bring food, fun, and connection to our community. This weekend you will find flowers, greens, fish and veggies as well as new and familiar crafts, food and snacks.

So head on down to the Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and next Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. welcome them all back and to see for yourself what our gritty farmers are up to.