I was delighted to hear that the city of Jacksonville would be organizing Saturday morning markets for the community. This little college town is brimming over with local culture to offer; such caring, close-knit communities are the proper environments for social events like markets.

My first market experience was on the California coast, with local venders from across town selling everything from fresh produce to artwork. Year-round each Thursday night, the streets featured live music and various foods from local restaurants, as well as entertainment geared to children of all ages, making the entire affair a family experience.

Similarly, in my college town of Athens, Ohio, the market houses booths that feature the variety of any organic lover’s dream, from locally made breads, jams, butters, honeys, cheeses and salsas, to varieties of organic meats, candles, plants and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers and nearby Amish communities. Thus, between family entertainment and an outlet for local produce, farmers’ markets are a great feature in any community.

I encourage everyone to participate since Jacksonville’s got the ingredients for developing a great cornerstone of community welfare. I look forward to seeing people pull together to make it happen.

Michelle Doe
Jacksonville