Farmers’ markets knit together socioeconomic differences, garden treasures, and artisanal goods. The Cache Valley Gardeners’ Market merges Cache Valley’s agricultural roots with its growing urban population. The market thrives during the growing season, providing a vibrant interface for art and agriculture in a common space. Rain or shine, every Saturday throughout the summer bright booths brimming with freshly harvested produce pop up alongside food vendors filling the air with tantalizing scents representing a myriad of cultures. Other booths boast food in additional stages of processing: persevered jams, vinegars, culinary novelties.

Tucked beyond the foodie’s wonderland are the artists’ tents. Canvas flaps and lofty summer breezes surround glittering jewelry, polished woodwork, and organic pottery. Art in the market unifies urban and suburban agriculture- practical things- with fineries and sophisticated touches. 

The market strives to serve as an educational platform for consumers [1]. The farmers at the market all fall into one of three categories: conventional, chemical-free, or organic. The gardeners’ market blends together the facets of sustainability seamlessly: environmental health and the health of consumers benefit in tandem with gains in social and economic sustainability. Here, as in the community gardens, sustainability’s three facets shine. Locally produced food has a minimal carbon footprint in comparison to grocery store counterparts. The farmers who put in hours of work are rewarded, earning enough to continue funding their passion for the earth. Consumers mingle and take time to get to know their neighbors, their farmers.

The 2016 market opens on May 7. Information for vendors and community members can be found at gardenersmarket.org.

Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Mary Ann Hubbell, CVGM Secretary.

[1] M. Hubbell, personal communication, 6 April 2016.