By Angel Martinez
Hey everyone! Between the beginning of midterms as we enter week 4 and sun bathing in the new spring weather, I want to introduce something else that you all can add to your to-do list. Going to the Farmers’ Market!
Every year starting around this time the Farmers’ Market sets up shop on 1st and Jackson Street here in downtown Corvallis. This year it will be running from April 20th thru November 27th, Wednesdays and Saturdays 9-1pm.
The Farmers’ Market consists of an array of street vendors. A majority of the vendors are set up by local farmers that sell their own produce that they had grown themselves. So if you want to buy your produce, know exactly how it was grown and support your local farmer then this place will be a food paradise for you.
Another great incentive is that they accept Food Stamps. Being a college student myself I know that there are a good number of us that rely on SNAP every month to eat. To accommodate for the slightly elevated prices you’ll encounter at the Farmers Market as opposed to a place like WinCo, they will actually give you extra money to spend there for using your SNAP card.
The market doesn’t just sell food, although that is what it’s primarily known for. There are other vendors that sell things like flowers, freshly baked pies, trinkets, etc. There is always music being played, and it is right next to that park. It’s a pet and children friendly atmosphere and it is a delightful way to spend a couple hours in the sun.
If you want more information on the Farmers’ Market, or even volunteer to help, go to their homepage at http://locallygrown.org/home/. I recommend that everyone should visit at least once in their college career. I’ve been going since I was a freshman. Even if you don’t intend on buying anything, it’s still fun to look around and soak up the atmosphere. Also when you’re done drifting through the vendors you can walk around downtown Corvallis and see the stores and local businesses that you may not have been aware existed.
So branch out, experience something new between your studies and most of all enjoy yourself. Spring is here, the sun is out, and the Farmers’ Market is finally open!
