PHOTOS: Richfield Farmers Market Offers Wide Array of Eats & Entertainment

Noted as the "best of 'burbs" by Mpls/St Paul Magazine, the was in full swing on a rainy Saturday morning. While traffic was a little slow,there were several tables laid out under pavilion at selling items from the traditional produce of most markets to breads and other breakfast pastries available from the St. Paul Breadsmith.

Though relatively small in size, the Richfield Farmers Market boasts a large selection of seasonal produce and the prices are definitely reasonable. A large bunch of bananas was selling for just $1, four peppers for $2 and even bunches of different kinds of fresh herbs for as low as $1. Though roughly half of the produce is advertised as local, the prices cannot be beat.

One significant aspect of this farmer's market that many in other areas of the state lack is live music. Each Saturday there is a different performer that volunteers to play during the market's hours. This particular Saturday, there was a woman playing twangy country tunes on a banjo, which provided enjoyable background music as opposed to what may have just been the sound of rain and shoppers bustling. 

Perhaps most noticeable and colorful was the large section of potted plants, which took up nearly half of the space in the pavilion. Next to this display there was a stand cooking and selling crepes with various toppings, another selling different kids of hummus and yet another selling several different kinds of homemade cheeses. All three stands were local vendors that sold and produced their goods in the area. 

One random onlooker was heard commenting that the market was slow on this particular rainy Saturday and informed others that there is usually more to eat and look at on a sunnier morning. He pointed to a sign that was positioned at the edge of the pavilion, which displayed prices for such items as hot dogs and cinnamon buns. Perhaps these would be available on another day when the weather was warmer and dry.

Despite its apparent lack of business that morning, the Richfield Farmers Market is sure to please in better weather. The fact that one produce vendor provided such an large supply of seasonal produce and that every vendor was local to Minnesota says a lot about what the market itself has to offer. One should not pass it up-there is much to see, hear, taste and enjoy.

The market is open Fridays from 2-6 p.m. at and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon at Veteran's Memorial Park location. For more information, visit richfieldfarmersmarket.org.