In reference to Mary Ridivus’ letter to the editor (Sept. 14, Auburn Reporter)regarding the Auburn Farmers Market, I have to agree.
My husband and I had visited the market in previous years and were not at all impressed with the handful of vendors. After reading that the market had expanded, I, too, was drawn to visit last Sunday.
Upon arrival I quickly saw that the market had no more to offer than it had in recent years. Even after walking it through three times, taking the time to visit each vendor, I was only there maybe 30 minutes. I was even told by one vendor that the entertainment was the same as every Sunday, and the man sings the same songs each week.
One word describes it all: monotonous.
The highlights of my morning were the gorgeous bouquet of flowers I brought home. I also filled out a questionnaire, just as I had last year, giving my opinion on the market, all the while doubting if the Farmers Market Advisory Board ever reads them or presents the City Council with the feedback from the residents.
The market should be an uplifting experience that is fun and exciting where anyone young or old would want to spend some time. If it doesn’t even draw our own citizens, how will it ever attract those from our neighboring cities?
That, too, is no surprise, though, given some of the recent means of attracting tourism, such as the ugly “sandwich boards” that are attached to the poles at the Cross Street intersection and held down with dirty sandbags. Each time I drive by, I think to myself, “What an eyesore, and just who is our city paying to attract tourism? Really, why put tiny boards in places where only the current residents notice them? How is that working for us? Why not place some eye-popping, different ways of attracting those from other areas to our little town?”
The key is to draw more outsiders. It doesn’t make sense to attract those who are already here. Why not put these “signs” of sorts on the outskirts of the downtown area?
If we really want others to be able to share in on the little gem of a city we have, we need to honestly give it a little more effort.
– Kimberly Pabon
