A Summer Tradition

Here in Bonners Ferry there are many signs to announce the arrival of spring and summer seasons; from the mud and breakup to the bursting of tamaracks’ buds and the white blossoms of the hawthorns, but my favorite is opening day at the farmers market.

The farmers market signifies the bounty of our community and the demand our residents have for local goods and produce. Maybe it's because there is something for everyone of any age or that the offerings are uniquely interesting to all who pass by. One thing is for sure, our farmers market is a large part of the fabric that ties this community together.

Where else can you take your family on a Saturday morning and see such variety of local goods? From the fine craftsmanship of our local potter and leather worker, to furniture maker and bakers. We can teach our children the value of growing a garden from starts provided by local gardeners. The passion that our local market vendors have for their craft is palpable and inspiring. At a time when our culture is constantly telling us what to do and when, here we can see things that exemplify the value of doing things your own way and loving every minute of it.

This past spring I had the opportunity to participate in the Master Gardener program offered by the University of Idaho's local extension office. There I had the pleasure of meeting many fine members of our county, all equally motivated to be more productive gardeners and self-reliant citizens. One of the highlights of the course were the two classes taught by Marsha of Marsha's Cottage Garden, a vendor at our market. Marsha's deep knowledge of local factors that influence organic gardening was incredible and inspiring. Marsha's Cottage Garden is a frequent stop on our market visits.

Another favorite is Clark Pottery, where you can be sure to find a group of people gathered, enjoying David Clark's live demonstration on the pottery wheel. Clark's affable demeanor encourages young and old to gather round and pepper him with questions and laugh at his jokes.

Of course a visit to the farmers market wouldn't be complete without some tasty snacks, both sweet and savory. A market favorite is the fresh bagels, but my personal favorites are the doughnuts that come as a six pack and the hot off the grill brats.

When I invite family or friends to visit, the farmers market is a must see and I tell them it's because there aren't many markets out there like this one, we have something really special. There are others markets with more of this or more of that, but at the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market, vendors warmly greet neighbors and longtime customers by name and whether you live here or not, you leave with a little piece of our community. So as we gather every Saturday from April through September on the bank of the Kootenay River, nestled between the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains, remember, it doesn't get much better than this.

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