Rain or shine: dedicated farmers and shoppers hit the pavement

If it’s raining or pouring, don’t expect farmers to be snoring. “You know how farmers are. Theyre definitely going to be here with their produce rain or shine” says Chris Shatto, Market Master of the Historic Main Street Farmers Market. Today, the market started at 3pm, right smack in the middle of a rain storm. But that didn’t seem to stop many enthusiastic vendors and shoppers. ‘Theres a lot of dedicated shoppers that are going to come out and get fresh, local produce” adds Shatto. Drew Thomas comes out to the Historic Main Street Farmers Market every Friday, rain or shine, and gets there on his bike. In speaking with Thomas he says he doesn’t mind the rain saying “its just water.” James Hilger depends on farmers markets after his familys store went under this summer. Hilger says “I got to come out here if I want to sell anything, rain or shine.” Nancy Parker believes the same thing. She is also a local vendor at the farmers market. She says “its something you do, youre expected to be there, people expect you to be there.” Obligation is another reason why around 20 vendors today dealt with the drizzle. Kelly Fisher came out today to shop. She opts to come to the market, even in the rain, because the produce is a lot fresher than what you can buy in a store. The Historic Main Street Farmers Market is also the only farmers market open Friday nights, giving farmers and shoppers alike limited selling and buying opportunities. “The produce spoils very quickly so, you know, if you dont show up at the market, theres really not other opportunities to sell it” says Shatto. The Historic Main Street Farmers Market runs every Friday from 3pm-8pm until October 23….rain or shine.