A Tale of Two Markets: Returning Home with Renewed Appreciation

The OBFM is truly a jewel of many diverse people coming together to take pride in what they do and work toward a common goal of excellence in a market space for our community and for visitors alike.

This past weekend I traveled to the Hudson Valley area of New York State for a family event. My son Mike and I spent some time driving through the old neighborhood and visiting places of interest. While doing so we found a local farmers market in action and stopped in to stretch our legs. I must say that I had high hopes, given the area's reputation through the years. The market reminded me of the OBFM when we were smaller in number and building. Set under trees next to their courthouse, in a historic town similar to Beaufort, were about 20 vendors offering a mix of farm and artisan goods. In passing, one vendor indicated their number to be around 30 in total.

Early season vegetables, honey, apple products, goat cheese, breads, desserts and strawberries were in season. The artisans showed a mix of gemstone jewelry, self-care products, candles, and several pottery vendors all in a row. While observing the vendor booths, their product effort, and the layout of their market I experienced a different perspective that prompted me to write this piece.

I saw so many areas in which their market could be improved with some easy touches in presentation, selectivity of product quality, and encouragement to the vendors, just in passing. Things that are our standard expectation, but perhaps are taken for granted, would take this market a long way in appeal. There was little to engage a shopper to linger without music or extra programming, however, great for the person who wants to drop in quickly then be on their way.

My heart was struck with a chord of appreciation that our OBFM is such a shining star, far exceeding the example of this county wide market we walked through in only a few minutes. The OBFM is truly a jewel of many diverse people coming together to take pride in what they do and work toward a common goal of excellence in a market space for our community and for visitors alike. I came away full of gratitude to be a part of our vendor family and all we continue to build towards our collective future. We have much to be thankful for each week and it shows. I wish the best for that little market and I hope it grows into its full potential just like OBFM has done.

~Suzy Lewis (OBFM Vendor + Supporter) FRANCES MARIAN PHOTOGRAPHY