Was Looking For Produce But Stepped Back In Time – Smiths Market
It was the last day of the Farmer’s Market, and we missed all the good stuff. Being new to the area, I guess I had a grander imagination of the Farmer’s Market than what was left when we got there. Not to be defeated, we headed to Smith’s Market on Main Street. Then we stepped back in time.
This charming store at the edge of Main Street (where is the edge anyway?) was a bustle of activity. This particular Saturday was cooler than the last few we had experienced and yes… I was cold. As we crossed the threshold of the store, my sinuses were assaulted with an overwhelmingly satisfying smell. Spiced cider was perking away somewhere. While I am not a fan of the cider myself, my wife loves it and I do enjoy the aroma.
This seemed to warm me up nearly instantly, and we turned left toward the produce side of the store. The shelves were stacked with micro-packaged brands of this and that. Some of the products duplicated what we had seen out at Yoder’s, in the Amish store. I loved it.
We selected some produce and worked our way to the center of the store where there were traditional toys, trinkets, and snacks. The whole while we were being transported decades earlier in time. Even the people surrounding us traveled in time as they smiled at each other in public and murmured – “Pardon me”, “Excuse me”, and “Cold day outside today, huh?”. This is the small town that my mind conjures when I think about our move from California to Kansas.
We slipped our way around the other shoppers and finally made it to the opposite side of the store where bulk candies, nuts, and snacks were on display. So many old favorites were in stock, that it was hard to make a choice and not be gluttonous.
The young cashier was gracious and friendly as she patiently waited for us to make those last few steps to the register. I wondered if this is a normal thing here… get to the register and change your mind or re-shop.
There was no one in line behind us so we engaged her in a quick conversation about moving here, and her thoughts on the area, the school, working downtown, and what the holiday season was like here. She advised us about some of the events that straddle Main Street, like Hutch Fest, and the HutchRec events on Thursdays every month.
This visit to Smith’s Market enriched the heart. It may sound silly or trite, but to enjoy a trip to the market, see friendly people, and socialize a bit is at the heart of all people. People thrive on community and this market has it in abundance.
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