West Chester Growers Market: Rain, Rain, and a Pie Eating Contest

Most Saturdays, West Chester townsfolk look forward to eating a quick breakfast at Nick's Cafe, grabbing a coffee from Fennario, and heading down to the West Chester Grower's Market. But last Saturday, we woke up to a dreary sky full of rain, rain... and more rain. One could not help but think that people would be steering clear of the West Chester Grower's Market open market atmosphere in hopes of sparing their clothes and hair from being drenched.

Well, you obviously don’t know the West Chester Grower’s Market patrons.

Let me tell you: WCGM Market Goers are HARDCORE. I was so impressed when I arrived at the Market (the first time, seeing as I had to leave and then come back after being hindered by a freak downpour during my first arrival), fearing a lonely aisle of forlorn vendors, only to find the normal bustle of cloth grocery bags, dogs, kids, adults and friendly conversation.

I peered out of my car window through dense rain, with a baby in tow, and resolved to come back after said baby’s nap (as she would have never survived the weather at the time).

Our second arrival was much more successful. We showed up a good 2 and-a-half hours later than usual, and the Market was still going strong. Folksy lyrics, backed by stringed instruments, wafted through the air as Blue Horizons, this weeks Market musician, serenaded the crowd.

Lucy (my little Market Goer) and I checked out this week's wares, and decided to try some new goodies. Pan loaves at Big Sky Bread Company were half off, and they all looked tasty, but we settled on sampling a loaf of Honey Wheat and a loaf of Cinnamon Walnut. I was glad to hear that Big Sky bread has no additives or preservatives, and was reminded by the vendor to store the loaves in a cool place for best keeping (Big Sky kindly packages their loaves in freezer bags to help their customers enjoy their bread longer).

After Big Sky, we stopped at Elkdale Farm for some veggies. The tomatoes were red and plump, and we could not resist the temptation. So, we left with 2, which I am now certain will not be enough to last us the week.

Ellen April Handcrafted Soap was next on our list. This week I picked up a bar of Bliss and a sample of Lemon Thyme. I will let you know how they rate compared to the rest of the soaps we’ve sampled (Ocean Breeze, a light, refreshing soap, and Wake-up Call, which currently holds First Place in our household).

I did quick check-in’s at some of the other vendors: The Chile Spot (we’re still working through a jar of their Hot Sweet Red Pepper Jalapeno Jam) and Highland Farm. I eyed up some homemade root beer from Oakshade Cheese, but did not have time to purchase any. Perhaps next week.

Our last stop was Stargazer’s Vineyard, where I sampled the Dornfelder wine. This wine, I was told, "is a great red wine for white wine lovers.” Being partial to white wines, I’d have to agree. It has lower tannins and a lovely taste. I was sad to hear that this would be their last appearance at WCGM until September, as they are gearing up for an exciting summer at their vineyard. Some great events are lined up for July 4^th weekend, with the new release of a wine called Greuner Veltliner Arnesis. If you are looking for a good time over the Independence Day holiday, check out Stargazer’s website and head over for the festivities, including wine tastings, tours, great music and food. Check back at The Market toward the end of the summer for their comeback!

Sadly, because of our thwarted first arrival attempt, I missed the Pie Eating Contest altogether. [To anyone who was wondering, NO my husband did NOT participate, much to my dismay. He mumbled something about a pie allergy, and I shook my head disapprovingly. Should you bump into us at the Market in the future, you have my full permission to give him a hard time. For the record, he DID regret missing out after he saw the awesome commemorative t-shirts given to participants]. Although we missed the contest, I was glad to hear it was a successful event, with a handful of brave dads stepping up to the plate. I was informed that the Contest Winner was head and shoulders above the rest, with Jeff Porter from the Chile Spot as a close second. Market Goers believe the winner’s strategic usage of goggles gave him a hand in his victory.