There's almost no better way to spend an early Saturday summer morning wandering your local grower's market.  All of the locally grown food and activities for kids of all ages abound.  Here in Albuquerque, NM, it's that time of year too - Chile harvesting season!!  So the smell of roasting chile filled the air of Robinson Park.  Over 100 vendors sell their wares to an eager crowd.  The colors, smells and music fill the air with a sense of vibrant life and community.  Do yourself a favor and shop local!!  

DSC_0756	The colors of all the veggies spanned the rainbow!  Everything was fresh, home grown and looked absolutely delicious!  Based on the size of the crowds perusing the market, this food is a big hit with the locals!
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OK, so I am absolutely OBSESSED with colors of the tomatoes!  Does that make me weird, or what?!  They are just so beautiful - they almost look too good to eat.....almost!	DSC_0732
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DSC_0762	It's the crown jewel of the late summer harvests here in New Mexico....tah dah!!!  I give you green chile.  For those of you who don't live here, the locals eat green chile with EVERYTHING!  It's pretty much required.  Anywhere from mild to extra hot....there's a heat level for everybody!
There are plenty of fresh herb and flowers vendors to go around as well.  So many stunning colors of summer blooms.  Take home a bouquet and enjoy the beauty of nature!	DSC_0726
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DSC_0783	Did I happen to mention the baked goods?  O.M.G!  It took every ounce of willpower that I had to not scarf down all of those butter croissants!!
DSC_0778   Be still my heart....my mouth is watering just looking at the these photos!  Oh bread, why do I love thee so much!?	DSC_0781 DSC_0788
DSC_0792	DSC_0791 Fresh pasta too!  And oh, the presentation was just lovely.
DSC_0744	DSC_0743 When I was a little girl and living on a farm in rural Northeast Ohio, we used to go out to the chicken coop everyday to collect fresh eggs.
DSC_0770 So many interesting and fun people working the booths!  Everyone is extremely knowledgeable about their products.	DSC_0747
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DSC_0754	Don't forget to bring your four-legged friends!  The Albuquerque Downtown Grower's Market is super pet friendly.  I think the dogs have more fun than the people, personally.
These beauties had their faces painted and were nice enough to pose for a photo! DSC_0861	DSC_0796 DSC_0794 These girls were getting henna tattoos and proudly showed them off!
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DSC_0872	Music filled the air and young and old alike enjoyed the sounds.  They even played a John Denver song, so they immediately won my heart over!

If you live in the Albuquerque area and have not been to the Downtown Growers Market, what are you waiting for?  The sense of community and friendship was so inviting.  The food, jewelry, herbs, flowers and handmade soaps and lotions were an absolute feast for the senses.  And the joy of seeing so many families - parents, grandparents and young kids enjoying a beautiful summer day in the park is warming to the heart.

And if you don't live here, I guarantee you there are similar markets in your town or close by.  Go and check them out.  Support local businesses.  You'll be happy you did.