Market Square

Every Saturday without fail Theresa and I rise early and have coffee and me - tea and off we go to the market armed with our cloth bags and a long list of needed veggies. Cape Coral has a great farmers market in the center of the city. About 8 acres in size and parking in the immediate area for 1000 cars or trucks makes it a friendly destination.

Theresa always goes right for the fresh flowers and usually picks carnations. We have counted over 60 blooms on a bunch and sometimes we get two to fill the house with colour if we are having company. Meanwhile I check out the entertainment which is usually a country and western singer and mostly very talented.

Radishes, sweet potatoes, lettuce and every known vegetable is displayed and you pay the farmer or family direct. The citrus section is particularly inviting as you are in the citrus belt of Florida. I try mostly all the fruit and experiment with new exciting varieties unknown to me. Trees are for sale and flowers to plant and special deals on palm trees complete with a helping hand to deliver and install.

Baked goods flourish with an ethnic slant and German breads sell out quickly. Fundraisers abound and there is always a little Brownie or Cub wanting you to buy a cookie or make a donation. The rib man has his huge stove, wood fired, all set to provide your evening meal and many folks are at your service enticing you to break that diet with goodies of all sorts.

We meet friends and neighbours, dozens of dogs and surprises every week. We love our market and make it a must visit when folks come visiting in the winter months. It makes me feel connected to the rural community and supports my strong feelings about the farmers and their families struggling to stay on their land.