This was my second time visit Farmer’s Market, but this visit to me was much more meaningful because I came in with more context and knowledge about impacts of the farmer’s market on the Ithaca community. I now know that it is an important part of our agricultural tourism, attracting up to 5000 visitors a day. I also learn to appreciate the benefits of promoting fresh, locally-produced products to Ithaca’s residents in reducing waste and transportation costs for farmers. I became more aware of the irregular shapes and the incredible variety of the fresh produce on display – it is proof of how these products were not mass produced but tended with love and care.

The weather was extremely nice on that day, which is something that I always treasure before the winter comes. I am really glad that I took the time off from work to be nearer to nature, to relax and to meet with new friends from the Rose Scholars program. It may have been short a visit but it definitely had alleviated my mood for the rest of the day and opened up my perspective on the scenery around Ithaca.