Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey submitted this feature and the top two photograph.
Congratulations are extended to Morrison Chamber of Commerce, for organizing the return of a Farmers Market for the Morrison, IL area. The gathering of vendors on the walks of the Whiteside County Fairgrounds was the attraction that locals needed, to reunite with faces that have been absent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The walks were crowded when the Pop-Up Farmers Market opened at 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 5, 2021. They remained busy throughout the four-hour scheduled opening.
What drew the numbers? The attraction was a gathering of local vendors offering their wares, in a safe outdoor venue, and an opportunity to visit with friends that have been contained by the medical situation that encompasses the world. Plainly put, it was an evening out with friends–with nothing to feel threatened about–in an environment where all attendees felt comfortable spending time.
Sidewalks were lined with small tents housing a variety of interests, including home-grown vegetables, crafts, baked goods, organizational offerings, fruits, jewelry, and American flags from American Legion members.
The biggest attraction took place on the walkways. Friends reunited as they strolled and exchanged greetings with faces they have not seen for an extended time. All the activity during this Pop-Up Farmers Market had one thing in common. That was the smiles generated, as the socializing maintained a constant buzz throughout the evening.
There was more! The final two hours of the evening were serenaded by the music of The Third Wheel. This local band, left-to-right, consisting of Chris Mills (guitar and vocal), Greg Pruis (guitar and vocal), and Elizabeth Yaklich (vocal), filled the air with song favorites from past decades. The addition of entertainment from a local group added the finishing touch to an event that sent everyone home with an improved focus and asking an important question.
“When will the Farmers Market be scheduled again?”
