The Montclair Farmers’ Market is one of our success stories.  Farmers conduct business here every Sunday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and we’re faithful shoppers.

Tomorrow the farmers will test extended hours until 2:00 pm.  If we show up, they will be there permanently.  I think its a safe bet because many folks appear right before closing time.

We all seem to like this compact market, which requires one walking loop on LaSalle.  While I’m not a chef, it’s still nice to pick up fresh-picked fruit, veggies or nuts.  I typically buy a small sweet potato pie which seldom makes it home.  Sometimes I try a few oysters, because the shucker’s hard at work there.

The freebies are the real draw.  Most recently, the lush peaches have been sliced for sampling, much like a wine-tasting event.  How come this isn’t done at a standard supermarket, organic or otherwise?

Not For Tourists cynically called the weekly market “Rich People and Fresh Veggies,” but went on to explain that “It’s still pretty cool.  Every Sunday, the fresh veggie peddlers and the go-getting entrepreneurs with their recipes…do their thing.”

During market hours, you experience the small-town feel of Montclair Village.  There’s usually live music, mayoral dog campaigns, various fundraisers, political canvassers of all stripes, and our city rep, Jean Quan, holding court monthly.

It’s the only time when locals get out and actually commune with each other.  Maybe I’ll grab an Indian curry and hang out tomorrow, now that the hours are longer.