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  Fresh from the Earth
It was a dream of local entrepreneurs when this market, filled with tempting locally grown produce, home-baked goods and the works of area artisans, arrived on the scene in 2009. It rapidly took wing and now is a Saturday mainstay in Syracuse. It all takes place from mid-May through mid-October, each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill. The park itself has a long history and that's one of the reasons the Syracuse Parks Department, Chamber of Commerce and local businesses wanted to highlight it with a regular event. Once the site of a local mill, the park has a new pavilion and the American Legion and VFW have erected a memorial. "We have the names of local men and women who served and the flags of each service organization," says Chad Jonsson, Superintendent of Parks. "There's a garden planted in front of the memorial." Visiting the memorial, letting the kids loose on the playground and settling in to enjoy a morning coffee or perhaps a picnic lunch are just some of the pluses when you come to the market. But the real treat is perusing some 20 booths for the area's bounty. The locally grown produce comes from around Northern Indiana. It all starts in the spring, with radishes, spring lettuce, spinach and other early crops. By summer, you'll find tomatoes, corn, onions, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, a wide variety of peppers and more. Fall brings gourds, squash, and, of course, pumpkins, perfect for pies or jack-o-lanterns. There's a bounty to choose from, whatever the season. Visitors often linger for hours. That might be because a concessionaire sells coffee and sandwiches. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy, including the pavilion, picnic tables and benches throughout the park. Baked goods abound, with the aromas of cookies, pies and pumpkin rolls luring buyers. The trick is to get them home without feasting on all of them right at the park. Just buy enough and you can do both! When the market began, the founders were committed to featuring the works of local artisans, Chad says, and many from around the Northern Indiana area are here with their wares. You'll find hand-crafted jewelry, purses and paintings. "Last year, we even had some women bring their rugs made of recycled blue jeans," Chad says. "They were a big hit." Many local gardeners get into the act, bringing bedding plants in the spring and bouquets and arrangements in the summer. On some weekends, local musicians perform so you can listen while you browse. Also, get ready for some extra-special days, including a Kickoff Saturday to start the season and a Fall Festival for a rousing end. So treat yourself to a carefree Saturday of buying the freshest of Northern Indiana's produce, flowers and artistic creations. Relax in an idyllic park and enjoy the bounty of food, fun and nature! Syracuse Artisan and Farmers Market |
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