In July I heard there was a man going around Rolfe telling people to trim their bushes and mow their grass. It was Greater Rolfe Days, for heavens sake! I had to wonder if he really thought the dilapidated buildings, condemned (or should be) housing, and street pot holes would really go un-noticed if our weeds were pulled. Where do you begin in an economically depressed community losing its population, schools, churches and businesses?
At various times at our market one could have bought melons, peaches, vegetables, fudge, bread (always), bird houses, soaps, hair ornaments, books, and many more wares that locals bring to share and sell. A few weeks ago I set up my grill and sold stone baked bread as it came off the grill. I sold out and had a blast doing it. It was a bit windy as you can tell from my picture but that was a happy day for me!
Beth decided you begin with 1 lot. And so we have Heritage Park. The weekly market in Rolfe is something we can brag about. My brother calls farmer's markets canine festivals and avoids them. I have to think he would be much more open to the idea if he stayed out of places like Des Moines and Laramie WY where he lives and instead went to smaller markets like we have. I must confess the week after he described markets that way, the hem of my granddaughter's skirt ended up in the teeth of a small un-welcome dog at our market but that is a rare thing in our town. That dog was visiting from out west and they have gone home so its safe again!
Many of our local patrons enjoy our market for the socializing. There are benches, tables, and sun protection at Hertiage Park where neighbors can sit and re-connect. That is what community is all about.
The weather is warm and humid as I write this but we are staring fall in the face and the market will soon be put to rest of another season. Meantime, I for one, plan to enjoy it and celebrate the uniqueness of our market and our vendors! I know the patrons of our community will too.
