By Kana Matsukawa
Local products and music has enveloped the city of Fayetteville since 1973. Now, the 50th season of Fayetteville Farmers Market has just started, attracting people with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The city of Fayetteville opened the farmers market in 1973, and has been offering local products such as flowers, vegetables, fruits, eggs and crafts.
In terms of sustainability, the farmers market has a significant impact on the environment.
For example, shopping local products reduces food miles, according to University of Waterloo Food Services. Food miles is the distance that the food travels to reach local supermarkets. The longer the food miles are, the more fossil fuels are required, leading to the environment pollution.
BBC Good Food reported the research by the Mayor’s London Food Strategy which mentioned when it comes to the imported food from other countries, transporting in air creates 10 times more carbon emissions than transporting on road, and about 50 times more than shipping, according to BBC Good Food.
At the Fayetteville Farmers Market, all products are “hyper local” and “100% Local and Loved” because they are produced within 60 miles of the city making the farmers market is a great way to contribute to the sustainable society.
Most importantly, the market plays a significant role in providing people with a warm community where they can feel a sense of belongingness.
Belva Clark opened Egg Money Enterprises after her retirement and has been selling handcrafted soaps and candles for 10 years at the market.
She said the farmers market is a great way to see people in the community, make friends and sell the products.
“It’s just a boom,” Clark said. “brings everyone there on the square, which generates more business for Fayetteville.”
Judy Kavan, from South Fork Dry Creek, Arkansas, has been doing market gardening for about 25 years. After moving from Michigan, she opened the Ugly bunny garden and started selling vegetables, cut flowers and succulents at the Fayetteville farmers market, she said.
“I think it is just one of the most vibrant, exciting markets to be a part of,” Kavan said. “The people are really great, so this is where I wanted to be.”
“There’s many customers coming that are really supportive, and happy that we are here,” Kavan said. “I think it’s just a beautiful setting around the square, and I just love Fayetteville, like the climate and people, I like everything about it.”
Sharon Niehues has been selling cut flowers, herbs and handmade soaps as Redbud Garden Herbal Soaps and Products for 20 years.
Niehues likes that the farmers market brings joy to both salespeople and customers in many ways, she said.
“It’s a way to meet a lot of people, it’s really a happy place. People love coming here, they love the music and the products, and get to know the customers,” Niehues said. “It’s a growers market, so everything is either grown or made by the person selling it, which gives it integrity.”
Niehues said the farmers market is also a good place to socialize because a variety of people are there every Saturday.
“It’s a great way to do a community because you have the music and a lot of times, people coming for meeting neighbors and et cetera, then there are also groups that are here usually, the pet shelter has adoptable pets, the political people are here to talk and et cetera,” Niehues said.
Dash James from Mountainberg, Arkansas, said he comes to the farmers market with his pet dog every Saturday.
“She loves to come to the square, meet little dog friends. She just loves it,” James said. “She just loves to look at them and watch them walk by.”
James said he used to play mandolin and guitar, and perform at George’s Majestic Lounge. When he turned 70, he was looking for something to do, and decided to visit the farmers market. Now, he enjoys coming to the square, listening to music and socializing, he said.
The farmers market is there for everyone to support their lives, provide opportunities to meet and create a sustainable society.
This is the 50th anniversary for the Fayetteville Farmers Market. I think the market has made an effort to be here for the community,” Kavan said. “In the very beginning, having fresh vegetables and fruits so that people keep coming and have a place to source that.
Kavan said this cycle leads to the creation of better communities where everyone benefits.
“It turns out that the community has just embraced the market so it’s beneficial for both parties,” Kavan said, “farmers depend on the community, and the community depends on the farmers, so it’s just a wonderful relationship.”