Opening day of the West Side Farmer's Market was a huge success!. I was able to attend opening night after all and I was delighted to see the great turn out. This was especially gratifying since we are so early in the produce season and what is available to us right now is still limited. The mayor was there to welcome the Market to the neighborhood and the atmosphere was festive as people milled about exploring the layout and enjoying what the vendors had to offer.
Available that night were radishes, onions, potatoes, lettuces, herbs, rhubarb, asparagus, and morel mushrooms, as well as several varieties of tomato plants. I purchased a bag of freshly picked greens from Angie of Pembroke Gardens. That one bag has provided us with super delicious salads, three times since then. I will definitely be looking for her stand again this Friday.
We enjoyed a slice of Louie's pizza (Louie's Pizza & Ribs, 1235 Runnion Street, Fort Wayne,) that being offered as a sample of what is available from them and were given a flyer introducing us to their 20 flavors of homemade ice cream (I want to try "Dreamsicle" and of course "Chocolate, Chocolate Chunk").
Right next to Louie's was The Egg Shop, offering a variety of omelets, made for eating at the market or for taking home. Samples of these were being offered also. Next time I will have to arrive before I have eaten supper.
The line for purchasing a hamburger from the Joseph Decuis stand, proved they were a hit, and the smell of the grilling beef was mouth watering. They were also offering for purchase products made in Indiana, that they carry in their Emporium in Roanoke, IN. I bought the "Grannie's Garden Sweet Dill Pickles" and the "Grannie's Garden 'I Love You Jam' (Raspberry-Dark Chocolate)" both made by Two Cookin Sisters of Brookston, IN. Both of these products are wonderful, but we especially enjoyed the jam. Besides the Two Cookin Sisters products, they also had available products from Greenfield Mills (flours, mixes) in Howe, IN and from Local Folks Foods (salsas, jams, ketchup, BBQ sauce) in Sheridan, IN.
There is parking available along Main Street as well as in several lots behind the market on Davis Street. Nebraska Neighborhood, you have created a wonderful atmosphere and delightful place to market shop. Thank you! I will be there on Friday nights often.
