Gathering Together Matters
I wander a small section of downtown Eighth Street in Holland each Wednesday and Saturday morning. I feel a sense of belonging as I stroll beside the stands filled with fresh produce, blooming flowers, and freshly brewed coffee. When people come together with others who are like minded and who share similar passions and talents it brings a sense of empowerment, both to the individual, and also to the greater group. Gathering together matters.
nn
That small section of Eighth Street that I walk each Wednesday and Saturday is flooded with people who share a love for the farmers market. The Holland Farmers Market happens twice a week from eight in the morning until around three in the afternoon. Vendors range from farmers with freshly picked blueberries to local coffee shops serving up a cup of locally roasted coffee. Each Wednesday I come with a paper list reminding me to grab a fresh bouquet of flowers or new indoor plant to add to my ever growing collection, or a handful of snap peas to make a fresh batch of Sweet Pea and Mint Hummus. To know where my food comes from matters, just as the relationship I build with the vendors and fellow market goers matters.
nn
On Saturdays I make sure to get to the market a few minutes before ten to catch the Chef Series. Young and old gather around the prep table as a local chef prepares a few recipes of their choosing from market produce. Attendees are able to sit, watch, and learn how to make delicious dishes. The Chef Series bridges food makers and consumers, and it allows the consumer the chance to prepare restaurant-style dishes right at their own kitchen table. Each week I see familiar faces and new ones, and I always come away with a new idea or kitchen-side trick tucked away.
nn
On Wednesdays the laughter of children fills the far end of the market as they enjoy Market Story Time with Herrick District Library, which is always followed by an activity ranging from fruit and veggie art to a cycling course. Children are a part of the gathering. They are able to learn and gain new skills; they are able to feel like they are a part of something bigger. Their presence in our community matters.
nn
I cannot speak highly enough about the Holland Farmers Market. The sense of community is strong, I always find myself bumping into old friends and each week I get to know fellow regulars better. This coming August the Holland Farmers Market and Local First have partnered together to host the 2nd Annual “Gather: A Celebration of Local Food”. Personally, the evening of August 25th cannot come soon enough. This event will be taking place at the iconic venue of Windmill Island Gardens where fifteen to twenty local restaurants will have locally sourced dishes available to taste. Each restaurant is paired with a vendor from the Holland Farmers Market and from that partnership the chef will create a bite sized dish with the food provided. There is no better way to toast to the end of summer then at this evening event grazing small plates, enjoying fine spirits from Coppercraft, Fenn Valley Vineyards, Virtue Cider, New Holland Brewing, and gathering together with fellow local foodies.
nn
The Lakeshore is a remarkable area, and as a community we are fortunate to have spaces like the Holland Farmers Markets and events such as Gather that showcase the beauty of what the Lakeshore has to offer. Come on down to the Holland Farmers Market this week, grab a cup of coffee from Lemonjello’s (where you may just see me in line), stop by the Chef Series, or simply walk and take in the sense of belonging that radiates along Eighth Street.
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To learn more about the Holland Farmers Market, or to see which chef will be at the market this week check out their website. For details on Gather and to purchase tickets go to our events page.