Visit the Siloam Springs Farmers Market!
I don’t know what it is about a Farmers Market but just like Christmas craft fairs, I find them irresistible. There is something about patronizing those who work with their hands that causes me to feel like I’ve spent my money well. As a Christian I’m no stranger to the passage from 1 Thessalonians 4:11 that lauds “ to work with your hands as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one…” I like to tell myself that supporting small farmers and artisans ensures they remain a healthy and contributing part of our economy and will survive the efforts of being overtaken by Big Box stores. I’m not saying I don’t shop some big box stores (I do) but I like to see my food minimally processed and locally sourced.
The idea of waking up on a Saturday morning and taking my bag to the local downtown market is something that brings me joy. I personally experience great satisfaction in shopping local farmers and artisans who through the efforts of their personal toil have produced a product that provides utility and meaning to others. And let’s face it, you can’t compare the experience of a farmers market to a grocery store or even a mall. For starters, most grocery stores are staffed by hourly employees who aren’t exactly hoping you will stop and chit chat about how for example, the zucchini you’re eyeballing was grown. Farmers markets are a positive extension of any given community and as a realtor, I find that homebuyers are routinely interested to learn that the community they’re considering purchasing a home in has a farmers market. It’s definitely a selling point.
When I lived in WA State I served as a Board member for a small town Farmers Market. I developed such a sense of appreciation for the farmers and artisans who dedicated so much of their lives toward making the market meaningful to others. I experienced a rush of familiarity when I visited the Siloam Springs Farmers Market as my first impression was one of cohesion. The vendors know each other and they work to support one another. There are some farmers who sell fruits vegetables, a butcher, basket makers, bakers, a candlemaker, ceramic artists just to name a few.
I first learned about the Siloam Springs Farmers Market on Instagram. After I had become acquainted with Deborah Horvath Rowden, I decided to visit the market because she referenced it so glowingly. I mean, Siloam Springs alone is worth a visit, it’s a pretty little town with a pretty college (John Brown University) and a friendly vibe. Siloam Springs is located in Benton County here in NW Arkansas but there are a plethora of farmers markets in the area. Know that if you as a Northwest Arkansas resident desire to purchase directly from farmers, you will have ample opportunity as evidenced by the Fayetteville market, Bentonville, Springdale, Rogers, Tontitown, Farmington, Winslow, Fort Smith and Prairie Grove which is probably not even an exhaustive list.
The Tontitown (pronounced Tawnytown) Farmers Market takes place here on Saturdays! Great market, I’ve purchased fresh eggs and handmade soaps right here!
Siloam Springs Farmers market is located in Memorial Park at S. Mount Olive and West Jefferson Streets. Unlike many downtown farmers markets I’ve visited in larger cities, you’re not reliant upon snagging a parking place wherever you can, there is ample parking across the street from Siloam Springs Library. Memorial Park also features a Splash Park for the kids to play and cool off while you fill your bags with healthy and local provisions. One of my favorite vendors is Opossom Farms where as far as I’m concerned you can buy the best pork chops, bacon and purple potatoes.
If you’re lucky enough to have a farmers market within 30 minutes of where you live, I recommend paying a visit. It’s fun and around here they’re open early enough to allow you to get on with your weekend and even have some healthy food options around for the week. As our society becomes more advanced technologically, that doesn’t necessarily equate to improvement. Sometimes returning to simpler times and venues and buying directly from your local farmers and artisans can bring unanticipated joy. It certainly does for me!
