The "Sights and Sounds of Roots: Part 1" Story

It was an ordinary day. Carol told me she needed leeks for a vegetable concoction she was making. The sun was shining and the temperature was warm, so I thought it was a great day to head to Roots (rhymes with foots) Country Market for the leeks. The market is held every Tuesday near East Petersburg, Pennsylvania. It is a true country market as well as auction. Vendors of every imaginable thing are in the outdoor and indoor areas. Parking is in a grassy field and along the railroad tracks near the market. And, it is always packed. I enjoy taking my grandson to visit just as my grandpap did when I was a young boy. Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s he would take me home with a crate of animals of some variety. Today I don't dare do that with my grandson or I probably would end up with them at my house. The livestock auction takes place throughout the day with mostly small animals. As I walked the aisles today I saw tons of people, literally. The people that frequent Roots like to eat. A whole bunch!! Vendors are Amish, Mennonite, Asian, Vietnamese, and just about every other color and nationality. Perishable as well as non-perishable items are sold. I found my leeks without any trouble and then headed to my favorite Burkhart's stand for three Long Johns. And, I'm taking them home and eating all three of them for my lunch. Got to fit in when you head to Roots. Following are some of the images I took to share with you. you will have to imagine the sounds and smells as you look at the pictures. Tomorrow's story will show a little bit more of this Lancaster County institution. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Sign along PA Rt.72 giving directions to Root's Country Market and Auction.

North end of the main promenade.

Ah! There they are. The leeks that Carol needs for her fennel and leeks vegetable concoction.

Vegetables and fruits line both sides of the main promenade.

Howdy pardner! You can get your riding supplies at one of the stands.

Nothing wrong with having soft serve ice cream as a main meal!

You can find just about every color peppers come in.

Two young girls attend to their fruits and vegetables.

One of my favorites!!

Cages and cages of live animals fill the livestock building after the auction as ended.