NEWS 11/2/09 - Downtown Farmers Market

Farm Fresh
Yet Another Reason to Visit Downtown Arlington, TX

Julie Garro arrived at Arlingtons Farmers Market one dreary Friday morning wondering if shed be the only one. It was cloudy, drizzly and chilly. By 10 a.m., the sunshine wasnt to be found. But people were. They surrounded her booth of healthy, quickie dinners and desserts.

To have people come out on a bad day like this shows how successful this market can be in Arlington, said Garro. This is the start of something really nice.

Garro is one of a number of vendors who return each Friday on a closed block of Front Street in downtown Arlington to sell fresh produce, homemade goods, herbs, cheeses and organic products.

I often go to Grand Prairie on Saturdays but this is perfect. Its Friday, and its close to where I work, said Patty MacWorther of east Arlington. I picked up some squash, some tomatoes and some homemade banana nut bread.

Earlene Moore is the banana nut bread baker. She sold out the week before and was selling out quickly on this day as well. Moore, who lives in Arlington, started selling baked goods at a friends beauty salon. Now shes a popular home-based business and makes her rounds at various markets.

Farmer Tony Vann of Bowie was there with a long table of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, cucumbers, pinto beans and green beans. Another vendor sold all-natural chips and corn tortillas.

Were happy about this particular market, said Vann. Its a great location. Were right downtown. Theres a nice traffic flow through here.

The Farmers Market represents a joint effort. The building, once home to an old radiator shop, was donated by former Arlington City Council member Joe Bruner. Home Depot and Innovative Sign Company helped transform the spot. Other sponsors include the City of Arlington and UT-Arlington Dining Services.

What youll find here is locally-made produce and items you just wont get in regular stores, said Maggie Campbell, president and CEO of the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, organizers of the market. Its a multipurpose event that will do a lot of things. Promote the environment and healthy eating and bring more people downtown.

The Farmers Market is every Friday through Dec. 18, closing only on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Free parking is available on the streets surrounding the market location, at 215 E. Front Street, near Front and Center streets. For more information, visit www.downtownarlington.org.

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News & Politics

Tags:

• City of Arlington
• TX

[v19d]

When did this happen. I lived in Arlington from 1998 to 2003 except from May 2001 to September 2001 and wonder when did the Farmers Market began