I just got word that rain or shine Farmer’s Market is coming back to Chestertown on Saturday morning. There’s going to be at least one new addition – or an addition of something old, according to market manager Owen McCoy. Somebody he calls “an artist who does flat breads” – Jimmy Reynolds – will be back after a seven-year absence. No word yet on whether Doug “The Bread Guy” Rae is returning as folks hope.
The fun of Farmer’s Market – dogs to sniff, babies to bump, spots I can water – has me wondering . . . why just on Saturdays? Last summer word went around they might have Farmer’s Market on Wednesday evenings, too. Well, Owen Mccoy says the time’s still being worked out – maybe 10 a.m. to whenever – but some farmers likely will be setting up on Wednesdays. One he’s pretty sure about is Wayne Lockwood of Lockbriar farms, offering fruits and vegetables. Me, I think it ought to be Wednesday’s after work, so people could grab fresh produce on their way home, maybe hang around, listen to some live music. After all, Wednesday evenings are when Chestertown’s about as lively as, well, Chestertown on Wednesday evening.
And that makes me wonder, why is downtown most inviting to crowds just on market days and First Fridays? Those Fridays when there’s no First Friday are as happening as Old John after 10 p.m. Why couldn’t we have First & Third Fridays?
I sniffed around and any problems with it don’t seem too big. Sure, downtown merchants would have to stay open longer and more often. But don’t they need more business? Nancy McGuire of the Downtown Chestertown Association says her group hasn’t set any position on it, but just speaking for herself: “It certainly is food for thought” and “Personally, I think we should be open every time we can.” Town Manager Bill Ingersoll says it wouldn’t be any great strain on government because “all we do for First Friday is waive the open container law.”
Kees de Mooy, also not speaking officially but just as somebody I surprise with an impertinence one morning as he’s trying to get through a door before I do, offers, “Less is not more.” He reflects a moment before he gets another insight: “More is more.”
Exactly. And with some practice maybe we could work up to Every Friday.
ford says
Every Friday may diminish 1st Friday making it just another Friday. Although all Fridays seem to hop at Play It Again Sam’s
rachel carter goss says
1st and 3rd might be a happy compromise – I know many people who feel like they are missing the fun when they can’t make it out on a FF. and…The kids love it!
Riverheart says
The Riverheart Cafe is open every first and third Friday. The third Friday we feature a guest chef from the community. Grab a bottle of wine from Sam’s and come on over!
Stacy Kendall says
More First Fridays or something of that nature would be great! One of the most important reasons people love it here is due to our sense of community! First Fridays not only boost morale, they help our local economy! All the more reason to do it more often! My vote – First and Third!!
Liza Brocker says
Every Friday is First Friday at Play it Again Sam’s. Even on the slower Friday’s I am happy to report that people are out and about…I wish all the other merchants would do the same, it takes a while to get rolling but once it does it is a win win for everyone involved! We live in such a great place and downtown is the hub. Businesses are closing their doors across the country and “downtown” retail is in decline everywhere…support your local businesses, we should all shop locally and encourage more of them to be open on Friday nights!