Are you sick and tired of hearing blowhard politicians ranting about how he or she is going to “bring America back” and “make it great again”?  I sure am.  For one, my idea of what makes a country great is probably not the same as that guy/gal thinks it is… so we’re not even talking apples to apples.  Of course we all love America, but some of us think the best cure is from the roots up and not from the top down.  But when do speak of produce, I know exactly where to find it – at the Farmers Markets.  And I am super excited that it’s THAT TIME AGAIN!

If you’re a crafter who sells your work at shows, this is probably the second most exciting  time of year for you (following Christmas!)  Not only is the weather warming up, the flowers and trees are all in bloom and the days are suddenly (magically) longer by an hour… AND there’s the official beginning of a new round of farmers markets!

Here in East Dallas, we have enjoyed the wonderfully curated White Rock Local Market and watched it grow from a twice a month affair to an eight time a month market, changes in venue and even a change in name!  (to Good Local Markets)

Now there’s also a new couple of shows on the block that we’ll be checking out – The Marketplace Casa View –  and hoping that theybring good things to an area of town that is in need of some uplift and on the brink of some serious revitalization efforts by neighbors and businesses (Ferguson Road Initiative and Greater Casa View Alliance).

The shows are sponsored by an independent organizer for the benefit of the churches and the hoods themselves, and will be occuring twice monthly from 9am – 2pm: first Saturdays at St. Pius X Catholic church at 3030 Gus Thomason Road, and same times every second Saturdays at Ridge Point Fellowship at 11440 Ferguson Road.

So when you wake up on Saturday or are out and about on Sunday – remember to stop by a friendly local market; pick up some fresh basil and tomatoes (and coffee, and eggs, and bread!) and stroll past the craft vendors.  We might have a perfect bangle bracelet or planted pot for you and a gift for your mom’s birthday.  You will have something one of a kind, and also support your local, American neighbor.  Isn’t that what keeps America strong?  Well, that and zombies.  Of course.