Sand Lot Situation - Tuesday, June 17th

If you're familiar with the Saturday version of the Ann Arbor Farmer's market, you know the dirt lot in the middle of the market as a "no man's land" where no farmer would ever set foot. It was never really clear if that space was for parking, a possible petting zoo, or where the horses used to be tied up. I'm here to let you know this area is The Sand Lot and where Roos Roast set up shop this past Saturday. (Now remember, this is only for the Saturday Market. On Wednesdays you'll find me under the actual market area because it's not as busy.)



With the help of gas prices, folks are making big changes. Driving less, walking more, being local, eating locally grown food and reusing their shopping bag for as long as possible.
This new awareness has changed the perception of space at the market too. It's simple gentrification at work right inside the universe of our very own deep local tradition of the market.

Under the direction of Molly Notarianni, the market is able to handle the overflow of vendors in an organized and easy going fashion. The Sand Lot is still slightly ghetto, but is home to a good many great vendors--Roos Roast included.

We've all heard people talking about market strategies--not the New York Stock Exchange, I'm talking about how people plan their course through what can appear to be an overwhelming, experience which requires a planned route. Here is another tradition in action, and many times for good reason. People want to be sure they get Shannon Brines' spinach and mixed greens before he runs out. Or pick up on the veggie vibe from Richard and his crew of followers of Tantre Farms. He vibed Katherine and me with what Katherine called "Olympic spinach" because it was so robust and huge. (We made this spinach pesto that was out of this world!) Or people are in a hurry and don't want to get bogged down in long conversation about the same old, same old, and just want to get home and start cooking. I've heard people passing by say "I never even stop at this part of the market" on their way to bigger and better things.


Hey it's summer, I'm thinking take a chance, change your course, look around and see what's out there!

See you at the Market this Wednesday and Saturday. I have no idea where I'll be set up but I know I'll be there somewhere, so come and find me.
John Roos

Posted by John at 8:17pm 06/17/08