Group 1 - Sugarhouse Farmers Market

Written by: Teresa Pond

For our group’s walk about, we had the opportunity to attend the Sugarhouse Farmer’s Market on the block of 21^st South and 9^th East on Friday, September 10, 2010. It was a beautiful day: sunny, about 75˚, with a slight breeze. We could not have asked for more perfect weather.

Our group of five met in the back parking lot of Sage Point 810 where all of us live. From there we walked over the bridge, hopped on the Trax, transferred to a bus, and walked a couple of blocks to the farmers market. This time on the public transportation gave us a chance to get to know one another a bit better, as many of us didn’t know the others real well.

When we arrived at the farmer’s market we instantly felt a true sense of community and a spirit of diversity in the atmosphere. As a group this was the first time we had really interacted and had a full conversation so the light-hearted spirit and friendly atmosphere helped to break the ice between us. Along the sidewalk of the block spanning from 900 East to 850 East on 2100 South there were white canopies set up with all sorts of vendors set up underneath them. At the market there was everything from fruit and vegetable vendors, to meat vendors, to bread vendors, to jewelry, wool, and clothing vendors, to food vendors selling out of food carts, and everything in between. Each vendor had their own unique style but they all came together to complete the market.

One thing that became very apparent to us when we arrived was the sense of community we felt between the vendors and between us, as customers. The vendors all seemed to be very friendly and most of them knew one another. They were all more than willing to assist us and each other. Additionally, they were by no means pushy to sell their product. The vendors all seemed happy to be there making us, as customers or consumers, feel comfortable and relaxed. The market was also pet friendly as many of the vendors had their dogs with them.

While walking through the market, we noticed there was a very urban feel. The clothing style was diverse but certainly could be classified as more ‘organic’ and although there were not obvious political references, there was a more liberal attitude apparent in the gay magazines and City Weekly newspapers available for pick up. The farmer’s market was also very environmentally friendly. Recycling bins could be located in several places and water was free if you brought your own container. Otherwise, the cup was 10 cents.

Another thing that was also apparent to our group was the lack of social differentiation among the vendors and the customers. It wasn’t obvious that any particular person was rich or poor – everyone seemed equal. Spanish and English were spoken, American money was exchanged, various kinds of products were sold, people of all ages and races were there, and animals were welcomed. All types of people from all walks of life were at the famer’s market and the diverse spirit of Sugarhouse was in the air.

Although only one person in our group purchased something from one of the vendors, each one was more than willing to give us their card or pamphlet. There was also a friendly information man who directed us towards different vendors and informed us of the upcoming events in downtown Sugarhouse.

Our first walk about to the Sugarhouse Farmer’s Market was a lot of fun and provided our group with a good opportunity to bond in the fun, diverse, and spirited environment. Although the weather is about to turn and the market won’t take place for too much longer, it will certainly be back next year, and will be a place we all visit again.