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Letter to the editor

A natural experience

Saturday morning market aims for fresher, greener, healthier.

By LARITA JACOBS, Times Correspondent
Published November 21, 2007

Bob Henion buys lavender herbs from Rita Taylor, owner of The Herb Cart at Market in the Park.
	[Atoyia Deans | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Atoyia Deans | Times] Scott and Corina Kostreba browse through Market in the Park, which is held Saturday mornings in Largo.

As you walk into the grassy square, you are greeted by the melodious notes of a Hawaiian steel guitar and gently swaying tropical plants.

The smell of herbs and spices waft on the breeze and tables are laden with fresh foods.

No, this is not a luau. It's Largo's newest way to buy groceries.

With more than 25 vendors displaying goods ranging from homemade breads to organic catnip, Largo's Market in the Park is drawing crowds. The event is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays between November and April on the grounds of the Florida Botanical Gardens, 1250 Ulmerton Road.

An outreach of the University of Florida/Pinellas County Extension Service, the market is focused on offering healthy, natural products and supporting local businesses.

"The market fits well with the extension's mission of providing education to the community and improving quality of life" said Mary Campbell, Pinellas County Extension director.

To that end, the Largo market offers a unique touch to the usual market experience. Each week, county extension experts, master gardeners and other invited guests present free educational seminars on gardening, nutrition and cooking during market hours. Live music and children's activities are offered to create a family atmosphere.

Because the market is on the botanical gardens grounds, marketgoers can also sit on benches in the butterfly garden, browse the gift store and wander the 30 acres of cultivated landscapes.

Richard Kendler, manager of the Dunedin Green Market, contracted with Pinellas Extension services to manage the Largo market. He recruited local vendors who offer products such as fresh honey, natural pet products, live plants and homemade hot sauces.

Of course, a large variety of fruits and vegetables also abound. "We aim for a green market and a truer farmer's market rather than a craft market," Kendler explained.

For Largo resident Jeanine Zinge, the plan is working.

"I just love having this market close by," Zinge said. "Saturday morning is good for working people. People are enjoying themselves and the prices here are good."

Fast facts

If you go

What: Market in the Park

Where: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays between November and April.

Parking is free.

[Last modified November 20, 2007, 21:57:41]