"Like a taste, sir?"
If you hear this call from under the Big White Tent in Newcomb Plaza, it might be your chance to cure the middle-of-the-week blues with a dollop of balsamic strawberry pepper sorbet.
At the Wednesday farmer's market outside Newcomb Hall, the wares range from handmade jewelry to orchids to fresh produce to goat cheese.
"It's something to look forward to in the middle of the week," fourth-year College student Shelia Laderberg said.
Laderberg is chair of the community affairs committee of Student Council, and also is in charge of planning the farmer's market.
"It's working out well," Laderberg said. "It's good for people who don't know about the city market or who don't have cars."
Gary Grunau, who sells sorbet and goat cheese, offers free samples to passers-by and also tries to educate the students who come to his ice cream freezer.
"If anyone can tell me what the holy grail was in reality, they can get a free scoop of sorbet," he said.
Grunau's wife makes the treats. He just sells them.
"My wife won't let me in the kitchen," Grunau said. "Every now and then, she'll make me strain the cheese."
Gaia's Gifts owner Lisa Anne Gresens also makes all of her own products -- jewelry.
"It's all handmade. Some of the crystals were mined by friends of mine, and some of the glass was blown by friends of mine," Gresens said.
Side by side with the handmade products are hand-grown produce, including fresh fruits, vegetables and orchids. All of the merchants said they get a fair amount of student interest.
"People are curious about orchids," said Kathy Philhour, representing The Orchid Station.
"Some people really know orchids, and other people just want to know more about them."
This is Philhour's second year at the Newcomb market, which she enjoys because she can interact with students.
Pam Vick, who sells handmade jewelry and lavender sachets for Missy Meadows Farm, agreed.
"I haven't been near a college in decades -- it's fun to watch the new generation coming in," Vick said. "It gives me confidence in the future."
Vick said that although yesterday's trade was slow, she usually sees a good level of interest.
"You never know," she said. "I think students are more interested in studies than jewelry right now. But there's lots of looking, lots of thinking about it."
The next and season's last farmer's market is Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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