Thank you, proartist, for putting that so succinctly! The statement makes me want to be at the farmer's market right now!

Springtime produce such as garlic, asparagus, and more, garden plants and beautiful flower baskets, unique crafts, animal products (i.e. handspun yarns, soap, etc.), delicious bakery goods and snacks, an adjoining breakfast buffet at the Looking Glass, and even an amazing singer/guitarist coming by to entertain on his way home to Paris(!)...THANK YOU Farmer's Market for such a great day, wonderful atmosphere, and such early variety. But, as always, market shoppers should know "the early bird" STILL "catches the worm".

sfcm: I know this season hasn't been fair to local growers. Trust me, I've noticed that trickle down to what's available in the grocery store, too. But I expected that there'd still be some things available to someone who showed up about midway through the market's run that day. It's not always easy for people to make it to the farmers market right at 8 a.m.
Here's a thought: If organizers knew this season hasn't been as productive for local growers, maybe the opening of the market should have been delayed?
Don't worry, I'll go back, and I'll be there a little earlier next time. I'm anxious to support the local folks who set up shop at the market every weekend.

i guess i'm just curious about what other types of produce residents expect to see during the first farmer's market in a year where we've suffered from flooding and a late spring? I haven't been to a larger city's farmer's market so I don't know what it is like to attend those during the final hour or two, but I think that if you have great expectations for taking home your fair share of produce from the Janesville Farmer's Market, it is pertinent that you arrive early. The last thing vendors want to do is lug a bunch of unsold produce home. You know what they say about the early birds...

All right folks, I might be from the "cig city," but I'm well aware that a lot of locally-grown produce isn't in season yet. But I was dismayed that the only produce I saw was asparagus. I guess I'll just have to return in a few weeks.

And a note to any vendors that might be reading this: make sure you've got enough edibles avaialable for people who come a little later. I wasn't there when the market first opened, but I wasn't far behind and I still missed everything.

Best darn market ever!! These are local producers...not global. Expect what is in season, and meet and talk to the producer.

Kbunge, as a former JFM vendor I can tell you that if you are looking for fresh produce, there won't be a whole lot till june. See, plants take time to grow. That means you gotta wait a bit till after you plant the seed. Different plants have different growth cycles, and weather is a huge factor you must account for when planting. However, there is probably meat vendors there, and I believe asparagus is becoming available locally. Point is, don't judge the market by Day 1. There are real reasons the produce you wanted is not yet available, and they have nothing to do with how that market is run.

I asked the vendor that normally sells the tortilla chips, and she said they're going to try to have them next week. I didn't see any lemonade either. As for the baked goods... you must've gotten there too late, because I had a delicious cinnamon twist and bought a loaf of cinnamon bread. You're welcome to come to my apartment and try some!

And that's true, but I didn't see any of those tortilla chips, baked goods or lemonade.

I get sad when I don't get my breakfast...

Don't worry, Kayla, the fresh produce is coming. It's only May! Not much is ready for harvest yet, although there was some asparagus for sale when Ann Marie and I were there around 9. (You have to get up early to nab the good stuff.) I'm told we can expect rhubarb and strawberries in the next month or so, and I'm sure a lot more produce will show up in June and July.

Adam and I went down to the farmers market around 11 a.m. Saturday, and we were disappointed.

I was hoping to grab something I could munch on for a late breakfast, maybe take home a few pieces of fresh produce...

Instead, I was greeted by nothing but plants and homemade crafts. Those things, of course, have their place in every farmers market, don't get me wrong, but I didn't feel like what I saw Saturday was any sort of showcase of locally-grown products.

Needless to say, I walked away sad.

Ohhh... I forgot about the kettle corn. It's almost enough to make me get out of bed early on Saturday morning. Almost.