At the Farmer’s Market, we talked to three different vendors and asked them questions about their farming practices and the way that the Farmer’s Market impacts them and the Carlisle community. First we talked to a vendor who sold us cherry tomatoes. They were from the farm Prescott’s Patch, and they were selling a wide variety of produce. We asked them where their farm is located, and how long of a drive it was for them to come to Carlisle. Their farm is located in Bainbridge, Pennsylvania, which is a 45 minute drive away. They come that distance just to sell at the Farmer’s Market, showing that it is an important event for people in the surrounding area, not just in Carlisle. Even though this farmer’s market isn’t very large, it is a staple of the Carlisle community. According to the Farmer’s Market website, a version of this market was held in the same location from 1751-1952, showing a strong tradition of the buying and selling of local food.

Next, we talked to a vendor selling different varieties of meat. We asked him about his farming practices and how he transports his meat from his farm to the Farmer’s Market. He told us that he freezes the meat in order to keep it fresh. He didn’t completely answer the question, but he also seemed confused about why we were questioning him. We bought ground beef from him, but he was also selling some more unusual products like rabbit and quails eggs, things that would be very hard to find at a grocery store.

Last we talked to Peter’s Orchard, a large vendor selling a variety of fruits. We bought a bag of peaches from them, and asked them if they do all of their selling through farmer’s markets. They said no, and that there is a location near Gettysburg where they sell a large amount of their produce. We found it interesting that a larger orchard like this would choose to sell their produce in such a small venue when they have other options, but perhaps it is profitable for them to sell in a variety of small venues.

Overall, it was very interesting to talk to the different vendors at the Farmer’s Market and see what local farmers had to offer. This market is a valuable resource for the Carlisle community and various other locations in Pennsylvania as it draws in farmer’s from the surrounding area to provide fresh, local food for the people of Carlisle.