Biloxi (MS), Cleveland (OH), and Portland (OR) are cities to which I traveled when I was fortunate to attend some past NWA annual meetings. Biloxi had casinos right on the Gulf; Cleveland had the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and Portland had the Columbia River (and fresh salmon). I actually took a couple days of annual leave after the Portland meeting to explore the area – it was a worthwhile time.
Well, Madison does have some casinos around the area (on the far southeast side near the Interstate, and just north near Baraboo), but I have not visited them. And Madison does have a few nice museums, downtown and on campus. But, I’d rather share my few minutes of your time, acknowledging the DaneCounty Farmers’ Market, held Saturday mornings, from April to November, around the Capitol Square, right smack on the isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona. Supposedly it’s the largest producer-only supplied farmers’ market in the country, with well over a hundred vendors – it seems true to me. More details, on other venues and times through the rest of the year (such as Wednesday mornings right near the Monona Terrace), can be found at: http://www.dcfm.org/aboutmkt.asp.
My wife and I usually go up to the Farmer’s Market quite often, typically at least a couple times each month. Below are some pictures from last weekend. Just watching all the people and seeing the wares of the day are part and parcel of the relaxed, easy-going circuit around the square. Plenty of healthy food, plenty of not quite so healthy food (I do like some of the higher carb choices, to my detriment), and a variety of flowers and plants provide lots of choices. And, amidst the walk around the Square, I’ve bought coffee from, and chatted with Brian Olson, from time to time. Brian is an NWA member and popular TV meteorologist here, and staffs a coffee vendor’s booth when his TV station periodically supports local charity events.
This is the State Street (W) corner of the Capitol Square in Madison, WI on 19 May 2012. The weekly Dane County Farmers’ Market is in progress
Many vendors and customers line Carroll Street at the Farmers’ Market.
People pass during the Farmers’ Market, where M. L. King Jr. Boulevard intersects Main Street. The reverse view from the Capitol (towards SE) shows the top of the Monona Terrace (where the NWA meeting will be held in October 2012).
Fresh “squeaky”(served at room temperature) cheese curds are offered by Forgotten Valley Cheese, at the Farmers’ Market on Main Street.
The Wisconsin State Capitol is reflected on the glass of an office building on Mifflin Street, on the morning of 19 May 2012 during the Farmers’ Market.
So, if you’re here early for the broadcasters’ sessions on the weekend, or decide to spend an extra day or two in southern Wisconsin after the meeting, consider taking in the Capitol Square on a Saturday morning. The Farmers’ Market does run through October.
By Gary Wade
