THE DALLAS FARMERS MARKET: CULTIVATING LIFE

Sunday morning Scott and I went and spent a few hours visiting the Dallas Farmers Market. The market opens up at 10:00 on Sundays. We arrived just a bit early which made parking easy and allowed us to look and get some pictures before it filled with people. We decided to switch things up a bit for the video, instead of my recording and talking it’s Scott! 

THE DALLAS FARMERS MARKET HISTORY

As Dallas began to flourish in the late 19th century, farmers began to sell their produce in locations around the city. Soon enough, the intersection of South Pearl Expressway and Cadiz Street became the hub of a thriving wholesale business—produce, chickens, pigs, eggs, and goats were all sold to the people of North Texas. But as the city grew, so did the demand for farm-fresh produce and meat. So, in 1939, the site of the Dallas Farmers Market was expanded and the first Shed was established. By 1941, the site was officially sanctioned as a municipally owned and operated market.

In 1991, the Dallas Farmers Market Friends was formed by the driving force and tireless long-time supporter of the DFM, “Mama” Ida Papert. She began shopping at the DFM in 1953 convinced that preparing locally grown food was worth the effort. I have to agree with her!

 

THE MARKET SHOPS

We started off in the indoor shopping area. This area is open 7 days a week.  Since we were early many of the shops were still getting set-up. It was fun to watch them move around arranging their goods and filling out chalkboard signs. This building is where many of the restaurants are located. On our way out Scott noticed a pizza shop so I was pretty sure we’d be heading back there for lunch

 

THE SHED

The Shed is  Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  This is an open-air pavilion where you can shop from regional vendors who grow, raise, make, and produce food. You’ll find a mix of farmers with seasonal produce grown in this climate,  eggs and honey, and food artisans who make bread, canned, and regional/international foods.

What did surprise us was there were more craft and ready-made vendors than actual produce vendors.

All of the vendors were friendly, especially the gentlemen above. As you walk many of the vendors offer samples and are happy to discuss what they have for sale. I especially enjoyed finding out what varieties of vegetables other farmers had brought.

After visiting The Shed we went to some of the shops that are scattered around the market area. This large garden shop, Ruibals took up about a block. They have a large selection of pots, indoor and outdoor plants, trees, shrubs, and lots more.

After wandering around for about an hour and a half we went back to the market shops and grabbed a slice of pizza. By this time the indoor area was busy with people and even a few performers.

If you’re looking for something do with the family I’d suggest checking out the market