Cajun French: le manger (lu mon-jā) – food
In our locavore quest for farmers markets, it is not often we take part in a tradition dating back three centuries. The Habitants de la Poste de Vincennes knew the importance of fresh locally grown food in the early 1700s. The farmers would gather at the market and sell their items. Today this tradition is continued at the Vincennes Historic Farmers Market in the Riverfront Pavilion.The market is twice a week; Wednesday evenings, 4-8 pm and Saturday mornings, 8 am -1 pm. It has become a gathering place for residents and visitors to not only purchase fresh items but also to visit. Approaching the market on Saturday mornings music can be heard. Each Saturday brings musicians ready to entertain while people shop, enjoy fresh coffee and pastries or just mingle.
Fresh corn and peaches were the highlight the week we shopped. In addition there was fresh bread, cabbage, cauliflower and many other items to choose. We always leave markets with a basket full of freshness.
Local markets are fun to shop not only for the fresh items but also to see what is in season in whatever part of the country we are visiting. It was an honor to participate in carrying on such a long tradition.
