The small rural towns of the Coulee region are about 8 to 10 miles apart. A now defunct rail system helped build the once thriving communities. Today ten miles can spell isolation to elderly, farmers, farmhands and their children.
In winter months it’s not so noticeable. We all seem to enjoy hunkering down and when we do see one another winter gives us something to complain about. But the buzz of spring is upon us and with it comes the local farmers markets. These markets serve many purposes. For some vendors it is a means to bring in a bit more cash, for others it is a chance to share their art, or a chance to catch up with neighbors and shake those winter blues.
The floods of last year left many wounds and one is fear. Fear that the old towns and the old ways of life are leaving. Well, it is true that new flood planes have destroyed landmark buildings and businesses, but the spirit of kindness that is a pillar of this region lives on.
So this is an invitation to you: Get out to the markets this season. Get to meet your farmers and craftspeople. If the musicians come out you can listen to some great music and enjoy the throwback to a simpler time. Mark your schedule to visit one or more markets a week. They’re only ten miles or so apart. Share your dollars locally to help keep our economy alive and well. And introduce yourself to your neighbors. It is always good to make new friends.
There are many visitors to our region who come to bask in the beauty of it. The people here and what we do are part of that beauty.
Rediscover the Coulee. Support the farmers markets. And help one another.
Here are a few of the markets in our area (I will add information as I get it):
Ontario Farmers Market Saturdays beginning May 25 from 9 am until 1 pm
Sparta Farmers Market Saturday mornings 8 am- noon
Viroqua Farmers Market Saturdays mornings 8 am – 12:30pm
La Farge Farmers Market Saturdays 9am- 1 pm
Cameron Park Farmers Market, La Crosse Friday evenings 4-8pm and Saturday mornings
photo of the marvelous heirloom apple blossoms at Echo Valley Farm
let kindness win 