A local vendor sells a variety of homegrown vegetables at the Plymouth Farmer’s Market. Members of the community handpick their peppers, squash, turnips, lettuce, corn, and tomatoes. Photo by Emory Smith
By Emory Smith
The Plymouth Farmer’s Market is a weekly affair in downtown Plymouth. Students at Plymouth High School visit their local market for a variety of reasons.One aspect, food, draws students like bees to flowers. Senior Abby Patrick said, “I enjoy walking around and looking at the different food vendors. I like the kettle corn that Allie Wright’s family makes! It’s really the best corn you could get and you can only get it there!” Junior J.J. Solorio said that his favorite part is “finding organic food.” Specifically, Freshman Mackenzie Winrotte and Freshman Emma Daniels enjoy “fresh fruits.” Freshman Emily Cochern said, “I really like the cinnamon roll booth because I get the first one every Saturday.” Agreeing with Cochern, Freshman Autumn Wilson said, “I also like getting cinnamon rolls!” Fresh and original food vendors are a favored reason for visiting the farmer’s market.
The non-food booths are also appreciated by PHS students. Winrotte said she looks forward to booths that “have jewelry or other handmade items.” One of these items, the intricate beads, are Wilson’s favorite.
Other students are attracted by the social aspect of the Plymouth Farmer’s Market. Wilson said, “My favorite part is looking at all of the different items for sale and socializing with the people.” Daniels said that she enjoys “how social the people are.” Senior Courteney Keller said, “It is something that my mom and I do together, it gives us a hour or two for us to spend with each other.” The farmer’s market can be a social situation for students.
On an August Saturday, families, students, and citizens of the community stroll down one side of the farmer’s market. The orchestra, local vendors, and Saturday atmosphere contribute to the enjoyment of a few hours at the Plymouth Farmer’s Market. Photo by Emory Smith
Because the market has so much to offer, students and their families make time to visit. Winrotte said, “We try to go about every week or every other. We go that often because it gives us something to do on Saturday morning.” Patrick said, “I usually go every week. Mostly because I want the kettle corn!” Wilson said that she usually goes “about once a month.” Daniels said, “I go every week because my mother likes to get her fruits and vegetables from there.” Cochern said, “I go about every Saturday because I work a booth. I work at my family herb booth at the beginning of the summer, and help at other booths later in the season.”
The Plymouth Farmer’s Market welcomes student involvement like Cochern’s. Patrick said that she “sang for Choir in 4th grade [at the farmer’s market.]” Wilson said, “I have performed with the Plymouth Community Youth Orchestra at the farmer’s market.” Daniels said, “I have volunteered at the farmer’s market before. I had to walk around and help the vendors that needed help.” The farmer’s market is contributed to by students at PHS.
The Plymouth Farmer’s Market is a place where the community and local vendors are highlighted. As a result, PHS students have noticed the quality of homegrown and homemade items. Keller said that she appreciates that the homemade bracelets are “unique.” Wilson said, “It’s nice to support local businesses and families and it’s just something we’ve always done. Going to the farmer’s market is more of a treat so we look for things that we wouldn’t normally buy at the grocery store.” Daniels said, “We only buy our vegetables from the farmers market so that we know they are fresh and where they come from.” Along the same lines, Winrotte said, “[We buy] fresh fruits because they are actually fresh and not just from the grocery store.” The communal aspect of the Plymouth Farmer’s Market is enjoyed by PHS students.