Sunday, May 2, 2010

Event

The prompt for Sunday Scribblings is event.



Just yesterday I went to a genuine community event in this town of Port Townsend, Washington, where I expect to make my home for at least part of every year and perhaps permanently.

May 1 was the annual opening of the Saturday farmers' market, a street fair where local purveyors of farm and nursery products and handicrafts have weekly booths. Unfortunately I left my camera at home, so I was unable to photograph the many colorful booths. Fortunately this left me free to roam in my trusty wheelchair to simply enjoy them. I was sorely tempted to buy a quilted hot pad that had at its center "Home is where I park my stuff while I go buy more stuff." Also fortunately, Peter Wiant, a local photographer has posted a gallery of photos taken yesterday. I have borrowed a few.
There was entertainment.
Copyright 2010 Peter Wiant
Here is the unofficial audience facing the official entertainment stage and Cal's Beach Band, one of the many groups in which my son Otto and his wife Kristin take part. That is the back of Otto's head with the billed cap in the lower right corner of the photo as he holds his concertina...

Copyright 2010 Peter Wiant
...and here is Kristin with her fiddle and her infectious enthusiasm.

Most of venders at the booths not only sell their products by the pound, dozen, bag or tray but also sell snacks such as sandwiches, soups or (paper) plate meals to eat at one of the many picnic tables. Hungry for a Baja style fish taco? You can find it here. How about a wild salmon and fried egg sandwich on local sourdough bread? It will be prepared before your eyes, and you can buy at the same booth a whole salmon or salmon steaks or fillets to take home for dinner or your freezer.

But perhaps you are in the market for handicrafts. There are dozens of booths selling everything from gorgeous cloaks of hand-spun handwoven fabrics (with the spinner working at her wheel) to whimsical hats and toys, beautiful hand-thrown pottery, jewelery, woodcarving, etc. etc.

Copyright 2010 Peter Wiant
Wheels and backpacks.

One of the reasons that I want to have a home in Port Townsend is that it is really wheelchair friendly. Friendly also to bikes, trikes and backpacks.

What did I buy at the market? Two pots of young sun gold tomato plants for the garden I will have here after May 15, and a beautifully silk-screened official Port Townsend Farmers' Market shopping bag made of environmentally-sound cloth - to carry to MY home MY future "stuff" from the market.

8 comments:

Tammy Brierly said...

I've been there, Dave's daughter and my good friend live in Bremerton.

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Sounds like fun! I'm glad you had a good time.

Giggles said...

We have great festivals and farmers markets similar to this one!!Thanks for sharing....loved the photos too!!!

Hugs Giggles

anthonynorth said...

That looked like a great day out.

Understanding Alice said...

That all looks so much fun! and its nice to see an event truly open to all.


Fancy a new prompt? try Saturday Soapbox: http://understandingalice.blogspot.com/search/label/Saturday%20Soapbox

Imelda said...

Granny! I took a long break from the blogging world, but am so glad to come by and have a chance to visit the market with you. I love the idea that you now have two homes to move between, and both in such lovely places! Good to see you!

Lucy said...

sounds like such a lovely town!
that quilted hot pad phrase was too cute! so happy you will have two homes Gran! xox

Dee Martin said...

It looks like a wonderful time! I have never been to the pacific northwest and it is a wish I have. Thanks for sharing this story - maybe I will make it there one day!