Two years ago, in the weeks and days leading up to Thanksgiving, it seemed a distinct possibility that I’d turn our new car’s odometer over 100,000 miles in my quest to locate decent produce and other interesting edibles. “Eating locally” in this northwestern corner of the Berkshires on the cusp of winter — and before we had a CSA subscription — was not really an option, and I’d not yet learned to stop pining for the easy access to exciting, fresh fruits and vegetables (meyer lemons, anyone?) that I’d had in New York. The produce at the nearby grocer was either ransacked or wilted, and the stuff at the big mega-marts was likely coated in toxins I didn’t want in my house, much less in my body. So, into the car I went, and off into the distance I roamed, in search of decent provisions. At this point, I barely remember what we ate — just that I drove and drove and drove and drove.
This year promises to be different, with the advent of the Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers’ Market in Great Barrington and Williamstown. Oh, joy of joys — it’s just a mere five miles from my front door. I could even ride my bike. (But I’m not sure what the vague “Holiday” thing is about; I mean, is there some other holiday in late November, or does this mean that there will be a market at Christmastime, too? Can anyone confirm?)
The Holiday Farmers’ Markets will take place on November 21, 2009 at the Williams College Field House on Latham Street in Williamstown (10 AM – 2 PM) and the old firehouse on Castle Street in Great Barrington (9 AM – 1 PM).
It’s no small shakes, either. This is the real deal. Check out the vendors scheduled for the Williamstown market:
Appletree Hill Organic Farm, Baby Cakes, Berkshire Organics, Berle Farm, The Berry Patch, Chocolate Springs, Cricket Creek Farm, Elf Parlor, Gala Restaurant in partnership with Green River Farm, Hidden Pasture Farm, Jaeschke’s Orchard, The Market of Pittsfield, Mezze Catering, Mighty Food Farm, Naga Bakehouse, Peace Valley Farm, Sidehill Farm, Sleeping Dog Farm, Sol Flower Farm, Sweet Brook Farm, Wild Oats Community Market and several independent bakers and florists.
The presence of alone makes me nearly weep with gratitude. Driving to Ashfield to pick up salad greens? Not this year.
Join me, please, and celebrate Thanksgiving with food from home.
2 Comments
Thanks for your continued “eat local” support!
Love your blog.