“A farmer’s market is
worth more than
everything I’ve written.” 
~ Wendell Berry

Kathy and I met up with a friend for an early-morning visit at the Orchard Valley Coffee shop in downtown Campbell this morning. While I frequent the establishment on a regular basis, it was the first time I’d been there on a Sunday morning. So Kathy and I were pleasantly surprised to have the opportunity to spend time at the Downtown Campbell Farmer’s Market, which is held every Sunday morning. What a delightful experience!

After the brief visit with our friend, Kathy returned to the car to get a few reusable grocery bags. Thanks to the kind hospitality of Monica, a Campbell local, I got a seat at a sidewalk table outside Starbucks at the corner of East Campbell Avenue and 1st Street. A Beatles cover band was playing directly across the street, so when Kathy returned with the grocery bags, I stayed where I was while Kathy did the shopping.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching hundreds of people walk by as they checked out all the products offered by the Farmer’s Market vendors. Both sides of East Campbell Avenue were lined with booths selling fruits, vegetables, breads, pastries, and a number of other items. I was amazed at how many people of all ages and ethnicities were singing along to the variety of Beatles’ songs as they walked past the band. Seeing this made me realize what a powerful impact the Fab Four have had on music throughout the world.

While the majority of shoppers were significantly younger than me, I was struck by the diversity I witnessed through the morning hours. There were dozens of young parents pushing strollers or walking with toddlers. A good number of high school students were present, as well. Quite a few of them were wearing purple sweatshirts advertising the upcoming production of Footloose at Westmont High School. My generation was well-represented, too. And the number of people in the 80s to 90s age-range surprised me. It was nice to see everyone enjoying all that the Farmer’s Market had to offer.

The rich cultural diversity of the Santa Clara Valley was also evident as I watched shoppers strolling down the street. Caucasians, Latinos, Asians, and Indians seemed to be equally represented. I met one man who was a native of The Netherlands and two others who identified themselves as Iranian. In a time when our country seems so divided and polarized on so many levels, it was encouraging to see the blend of cultures coexisting and enjoying all that the local Farmer’s Market had to offer.

Before returning home, I wanted to check out some of the bakery booths Kathy had seen while shopping. When I saw the Greenlee’s Bakery booth, I knew I was in the right place. The gentleman working behind the counter asked what I’d like. I was looking at some items that looked like the aebleskeivers one would find in Solvang, California. He told me that they were beignets, and offered to let me try one. With just one bite, I thought I’d died and gone to Heaven. The cinnamon flavor was mouthwatering. Needless to say, I purchased a few to bring home.

Something tells me that Kathy and I will be regulars at the Downtown Campbell Farmer’s Market from now on.