The days have grown cooler, and fall's colors are showing.
While many people in our community look forward to this seasons of school sports, football, hunting, hearty meals and natural beauty, there's a sad side to it.
Farmer's markets and farm stands will soon be closing for the year. That means eating locally will be harder to do.
To be sure, there is a winter farm market on the Menominee side, and we applaud our local growers for starting this effort three years ago.
Bu the bounty of summer is behind us now, and it's only a matter of weeks before the markets end for the season.
There is still time to take advantage of buying your fruits and vegetables from local growers. You can do this on Saturday mornings and Thursday afternoons in Menominee, just south of the American Legion Club at Great Lakes Memorial Park, and on Tuesday and Friday mornings in the Merchants Park lot in downtown Marinette. There are still farm stands at several locations across town, too.
We would never discourage you from shopping at local supermarkets, or eating at local restaurants. That's a form of eating local, too. Many restaurant and grocery store owners buy from local and regional sources.
Buy buying produce at an outdoor market creates a bond between grower and consumer. It's a direct relationship. You know who grows what you eat. You know whether they use chemicals, or not. You might get recipe ideas and serving tips.
Shopping the farm markets creates a sense of community you won't find anywhere else. Frequently, farm markets are also community centers, a way of passing along news and harmless gossip. That's part of small-town life.
Want to become a true part of your community. Shop local. Eat local. Hurry.
