It's always a pleasure to mingle with sellers and shoppers at a green farmers' market, especially when the fresh fruits and vegetables are brought to us in the city. Every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until April 25, the Downtown Clearwater's Farmers' Market brings fresh food, entertainment and camaraderie to Clearwater City Hall at 112 S. Osceola. Fruit and vegetable stands, herbs, cut flowers, plants, musicians, and vendor's selling their wares transform the courtyard in front of city hall into a picturesque open air market as seen in town squares throughout the nation. The fountain area of the courtyard features live entertainment, with tables, chairs and benches available for dining and to rest while people watching. Parking is available and convenient, and the entire event is stroller, bike and wheelchair-friendly.
If you don't meet friends from church or your neighborhood there, you'll likely make new ones in the friendly atmosphere as you stroll among the booths, pick out fresh fruits and vegetables, and lunch outside while listening to the live entertainment. If all the fresh air and food tires you out, dinner can be purchased at the market too, to be reheated later. Try Fat Cat's Catering for barbecued ribs and pork sandwiches along with your salad and fresh steamed vegetables.
Last Wednesday was the market's annual "Super Soup Festival." Some of the area's best restaurants and cafes donated soups to be sold for $2 a bowl, with proceeds, totaling $350 to benefit Religious Community Services (RCS). Island Way Grill, and O'Keefe's served satisfying and rich seafood chowders, with Harrison's, Cleveland Street Café and the Tin Can Café going the vegetarian route with Black Beans and Rice, Split Pea and Cheese soups. Chicken soup was made three different ways. Chaing Mai Thai made Coconut Chicken, while Angie's offered Chicken Rosalina. Pickles Plus Two supplied attendees of the festival with good old chicken noodle. The Downtown Clearwater Farmers' Market is a non profit supported by the city's Community Development Agency. The Market always welcomes new vendors. For more information or directions visit: clearwaterfarmersmarket.com
Don't miss the Market's upcoming events:
February 7 - "12th Birthday Celebration" with complimentary cake and coffee served at 10 a.m.
February 14 - Arts at the Market
February 21 - Market Strawberry Festival
March 14 - Arts at the Market
March 28 - Ice Cream Social
April 25 - Season Final