×
×
homepage logo

Farmers market is a slice of community life

By Staff | Sep 10, 2010

It’s 8 a.m. Saturday morning and a large crowd has gathered at the junction of U.S. Highway 2 and N.D. Highway 3.

It’s a sign of late summer in Rugby.

The Farmers’ Market is in full swing, and the success of this annual, dating back to more than five decades, has made it an institution of sorts.

Residents take pride in their gardens and baking and canning and

why not allow them to offer these tasty items to the public for sale?

The market is a throwback to yesteryear when producers would gather at the town square following harvest to sell their goods. Producers counted on that income, and buyers looked forward to free produce to put on the dinner table.

The market is an opportunity for those who tend to struggle with a Green Thumb to enjoy the fresh vegetables and fruits that grow in abundance in many gardens in the area.

As farming practices have changed, farmers’ markets have become fewer, as producers were shipped away to be processed and sold commercially.

We’re fortunate one is still going on locally – and going strong.

Just a few years ago the market expanded to Wednesday afternoons, beginning at 4 p.m., to enable those who work in Rugby, but live in the country and can’t get to town on Saturdays a chance to stop before heading home.

Even though the market will soon come to an end for the year, there is still time to take part as a vendor.

Anyone interested in selling can simply show up, park the pickup or car and display their items. There is no cost to set up shop.

Vendors have come as far as the Towner and Leeds area, but most are from the Rugby area.

The market is a small slice of community and one many look forward to this time of year.