Gwinnett Daily Post

• Favorite entry Your favorites
• Discuss Comment, Blog about
• Share this Email, Facebook, Twitter
• Print Story

Well, it’s almost time for the popular area Farmer’s Markets in the county to pack up their wares, roll up their tents and start planning next year’s crops. The success of Farmer’s Markets in this area has been phenomenal; they sure do bring back memories for me.

When I was a kid, our monthly family sojourn for fresh fruits and veggies was to the DeKalb Farmer’s Market over in Decatur. That place always fascinated me; I remember seeing so many exotic fruits, vegetables and homemade goodies lined up floor-to-ceiling, wall after wall in those concrete bays.

I like the smaller markets we enjoy today - locally-grown produce with many true organic selections. I like seeing people mingling, comparing their finds and talking about how they might prepare a new recipe that evening. In my opinion, events like these bring out the absolute best in communities.

In the coming months, we’re going to be treated to fall festivals throughout the county . I have yet to participate in one of these events that I didn’t fully enjoy. What other time of the year, especially here in the South, can you take your family (and maybe the family dog) for a stroll outdoors, with a hint of a breeze to go along with the blinding sunshine? Where else can you turn from handmade wreaths on one side, bird feeders and gorgeous pottery up ahead, and handmade children’s clothes one aisle over? Music ranging from bluegrass to rock to country hangs over the entire chaotic mess, bright lights and all. Who could stay away?

I try not to make generalizations about any population, but here in the South we sure do love our fairs and festivals. We also love to fry things , have you noticed that? If we can catch it, it’s fair game for frying. I’m talking anything from a rib roast to a Twinkie to a popular candy bar. So unnatural, but so good.

Carole Townsend is also a Gwinnett Daily Post staff correspondent and author of “Southern Fried White Trash.” The book takes a humorous look at families and how we behave when thrown together for weddings, funerals and holidays. She has been quoted on msnbc.com, in the LA Times, USA Today and the Christian Science Monitor, been featured on FOX 5 News and CNN, and is often a guest on television and radio shows nationwide. She currently travels throughout the southeast, meeting readers at book signings and speaking publicly at various events. Her next book, “Red Lipstick and Clean Underwear,” will be released in Fall 2012.