Farmers Market Map

Farmers Market

            The farmers market really reminded me of our market back home. I really enjoyed walking around seeing the fresh, organic, locally grown produce and tasting the samples. What I noticed immediately was the variety of people that came just to buy products. There was a large variety between young people and older couples. I noticed that the only music being played was country music whether it was performed live throughout the market or through radio. I saw many families with small children sitting in front of City Hall and also walking around looking at produce. Almost everyone I noticed really got involved with the hands on activities offered like the tomato and cheese tasting. As far as politics goes I saw one tent called “Republican Women”, and I stopped to overhear what exactly was being said. An elderly woman announces her strong dislike for Obama and how he is friends with Muslims. Some people walk by without a care in the world, other stop to listen and nod their heads. What I found interesting was the band playing behind their tent, which brought attention over to the Republican Women tent. The food was certainly mixed up but in the same area for the most part. Cheese, eggs, meat, basil, veggies, and fruit were all mixed in the same area around the center. Flowers were also being sold near the fresh produce, and a small tent was also selling meat candy.

            The similarities between participatory aspects of the farmers market and music would have to be based around involvement. In participatory music everyone is participating and its more a circular pattern rather then just one person doing all of the work. Music is more focused on ‘the doing’ and involvement is essential for success. This type of structure mirrors the farmers market exactly. Everyone is participating whether it be selling, buying, tasting, or talking. A dialogue between seller and buyer happens at every little tent and without it nothing would be able to sell. The most important concept that both participatory music and the farmer market share is the focus on social bonding. In my opinion the best way to bond is over food so by even being at a market people generally come happy. Bonding with a certain farmer or person over a specific piece of meat or certain type of cheese can make your experience also worthwhile and exciting. Whether the conversation be about food, coffee, music, or politics everyone is involved and there is no hierarchy depicted.