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Information board at the market's booth
Westwego’s Farmers & Fisheries Market is new, less than a year old, and it is absolutely the most beautiful facility of any Farmers Market in the area. The City of Westwego really put effort into it, and it shows. Beautiful (and clean!) restrooms, a stage, plenty of space for blankets or chairs, plenty of vendor space, and plenty of parking all make for a market that is friendly to both vendors and consumers. Originally planned prior to Katrina, construction was begun post-storm, and it was designed to replicate the historic Salas Avenue, the original section of what is now Westwego.
It carries a lot more than just fruit and vegetables too, with handcrafted goods that are REALLY made by the people selling them. It wasn’t just commercially manufactured goods from some foreign country, but rather genuine handcrafted items from local residents, and of the highest quality as well. Many of the prices on some of the handcrafted items were extremely attractive, like the crocheted or knitted baby items. I just couldn’t think of who was about to have a baby! There were hand made purses, very unique, as well as quilted items featuring fabrics with the logos of our local sports teams. There were some unique wooden items, as well as the option of having custom work done, and plants to purchase too. The Market staff also had beautiful aprons from the market available, along with information about upcoming events.
The fruits and vegetables that were available were also fresh, with an excellent variety and prices were consistent with area markets. It wasn’t crowded, but as the word-of-mouth spreads the news about this market, I fully expect it to become much more popular with both vendors and consumers. The vendors were friendly, cheerful, and chatty, making the experience of shopping the market much more personal than merely a commercial exchange. The friendliness of everyone there made it feel like a neighborhood event, even though the market isn’t located in my own neighborhood.
Westwego Farmer & Fisheries Market is easy to get to, whether from the East Bank or the Expressway, and located at 484 Salas Avenue (the corner of 4th St. and Salas Avenue) in Westwego. Open from 9-1 p.m. on Saturdays, it features music as well as the vendors. On Friday evenings, from 6-10 p.m., they also feature free concerts, and any time you want to hang out and enjoy it, bring folding chairs. Outside food & drinks, as well as coolers, are not allowed. It also is the location for an antique & flea market on the 2nd Sunday of the month, from 12-4 p.m. The market area can also be rented for special events and private parties from the City of Westwego.
Articles about other farmer markets in Greater New Orleans:
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