Hear the term "farmers' market," and visions of bustling crowds and vegetable stands aching under the weight of locally grown produce wander into the mind.
The newly opened farmers' market in Durham is not like that. It's a little homely, a little incomplete. But its charm, and the eclectic mix of its wares, help make up for the unconventional image.
The market-held at historic Durham Athletic Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays-opened two weeks ago and currently includes only a smattering of vendors.
Regardless of the number of vendors, however, the range of goods sold at the farmers' market is broad and includes fresh goose and duck eggs, flower bouquets, printed silk scarves, baked goods and herbal bath oils.
Even Florida melons and jalapeños have found their way to the Durham market via Jose Espinoza, a migrant farm worker whose sister lives in Durham. Espinoza drove his truck from Tampa to sell produce in Durham and at other area markets.
Past attempts to establish a farmers' market in Durham-including one outside George's Garage and another outside Foster's Market, a specialty foods store-have fizzled. Many hope this try is not doomed to the same fate, although the number of vendors is low.
"I think Durham wants to have a farmers' market," said Myra Erickson, a backyard gardener who helped organize the market's resurrection.
City worker Jennifer Brown, several interested growers, and a non-profit organization called South Eastern Efforts Developing Sustainable Spaces also contributed to the effort. SEEDS works to foster community gardens in urban spaces.
"It seems like it's just going great," said Rose Lyon, who was doing brisk business Saturday selling vegetables grown on her 12-acre farm. "I don't know why Durham can't get one going and keep it going-there really is a following."
Bill Pope, who works on the national AIDS hotline and was selling cards featuring his own light-filled photography, agreed. "People are very grateful that they don't have to go to Carrboro or Raleigh," he said. "The market has been incredible."
But with fewer than 20 vendors and with only a couple selling substantial amounts of fresh produce, the market still leaves plenty to be desired.
"It's a bit disappointing," said Ross Jackson, who came with his wife at 11:30 a.m. last Saturday, a time when several vendors were already packing up. "We'll give it another try, but we've got to get more farmers to sell stuff."
Erickson said she believes that the market will grow stronger with time. "I've had 10 people ask me today about selling," she said, turning after instructing a customer on the best way to grow one of her tomato plants. "We absolutely want new vendors."
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