Farmer's market blooms in Newcomb
From up-and-coming bands to eggplant and orchids, Big White Tent outside Newcomb Hall has now officially seen it all. Yesterday marked the debut of the University's version of a fresh farmer's market.
Student Council organized the event when students requested a venue on Grounds to buy fresh produce and flowers. The result: a dazzling array of peaches, zucchini, fruit sorbets and multi-colored flowers.
"Students wanted this to happen," said fourth-year College student Anita Gupta, Council's chief of staff and a primary organizer of the market. "It's accessible, it's fun, the atmosphere is just exciting."
Council members hope to continue the market from 2 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday for a month, pending the success of the first attempt. But so far, students' reactions have been only positive.
Katie Dorfler, a second-year College student, was perusing the boxes of squash and tomatoes.
"I was walking back to my room and it was a nice surprise to see this," she said. "It's so easily available to everyone."
The vendors also seemed pleased to be on Grounds. Wholesale orchid vendor Kathy Philhour explained that setting up and unloading was a seamless process, and the Newcomb site also provided a different clientele than the typical Downtown Mall crowd.
"I like being around students. I think it's a lot of fun," Philhour said. "Also, students probably could take care of these really easily - the more you neglect orchids, the better they are."
Her flowers range in price from $10 for a small flower to $40 for a large orchid that Philhour noted would probably last all year.
Third-year College student Lauren Purnell was at another flower booth, selecting individual stems for a bouquet.
"I think this market is wonderful because I love flowers and it's really hard to get down to Barracks Road sometimes," Purnell said.
Student Council President Abby Fifer agreed that the location of the farmer's market should make it especially appealing to students.
"We are pleased to offer it," Fifer said.
Meanwhile, one of the most popular booths offered cups of fresh-fruit sorbet, with flavors like lemon-blackberry and lemon-banana. The free samples were especially popular among passersby.
Dorfler, for one, thought the entire market should draw a crowd.
"It's very convenient to everyone and very originial," she said.
Compiled by Julia Salasky
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