It was an ordinary day. Just voted for my Favorite Public Market in the United States. Naturally had to be Lancaster's Central Market in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Lancaster Central Market is the nations's oldest continuously operated public farmer's market and has been serving the community since 1730.
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| Lancaster Central Market on Market Alley |
Today, the market features some 60 local vendors three days a week; Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. As you enter the market off Market Alley, naturally, you will be hit with the smell of sweet, tart, etc., etc, etc. My mother used to push me in my baby buggy from the 600 block of South Prince Street to West King Street and then a half-block East to the Market House over 76 years ago.
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| Another favorite view of Central Market |
Don't remember much of the journey, but I must have been hooked, since I still make many trips to Central Market for just about every thing from lunch meat and cheese to fresh vegetables to our feline friends favorite treats. If I search hard enough I will find the couple of hats I have purchased over the years that features Lancaster Market on them. Also have purchased gift cards for friends and family for special occasions.
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| ...And yet another favorite photograph I have taken |
Lancaster Market House is more than a place to buy food and other goods; it is an historical destination that you just can't miss if you happen to be in the city of Lancaster on a market day. When I read in the newspaper this morning that I can vote to make The Lancaster Central Market the "The Best In The Nation," well...I just had to do so.
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| I made an altered Polaroid photograph of Central Market |
Went to USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice contest and voted. I can vote every day until April 12...and I will! Other markets that are in the top ten on the ballot right now are: Findlay Market in Cincinnati, Ohio; Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
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| A view of Central Market year's ago |
Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington; Chicago French Market in Chicago, Illinois; Oxbow Public Market in Napa, California; Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Boston Public Market in Boston, Massachusetts; Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee, Washington; and Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, California. As of the time I posted this story, Lancaster Central Market is ranked #8 of 20.
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| A view from high above of my all-time favorite stand...Shady Maple |
Get online and vote for my favorite market and do it every day until April 12. You could help us win! As for the rest of the 20 entries, each market has a special flair to them and perhaps a few different types of food choices, but none have the same food that is grown in "The Garden Spot of America." Lancaster County has had a few winners in recent reader's choice contests. Bulls Head Public House in nearby Lititz, PA was named top beer bar in the country; Dutch Winter Wonderland at Dutch Wonderland is one of the best theme park holiday events;
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| This is what they make and sell at Shady Maple |
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is one of the best corn mazes; Strasburg Railroad is one of the best scenic train rides; Field of Screams is one of the best haunted attractions; Beau's Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park is one of the best dog parks; and the city of Lancaster was one of the best towns for antiquing. I'm sure that everyone likes to publicize their home town, but how many of you can actually say that your town or nearby town has won something in the past? Well, it's time to vote once more. Hope you are doing the same. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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| Another indoor photograph of Lancaster Central Market |
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I was part of a Flashmob that sang at Christmas at the market.
I am dead-center with my music open as I sang the Halleluia Chorus.
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