One of my favorite things to do in summer and autumn is to visit the Greenmarket at Union Square. There are many farmers markets around the five boroughs of New York City on any given day of the week. Yet, there is something magical about Union Square Greenmarket.
It’s a gathering place for shoppers of all ages and ethnics. I like looking down to the market from the windows of stores nearby. Surrounded by busy streets, the Square is an oasis of calmness. Shoppers stream along the northwestern corner of the park, like colorful threads weaving out a beautiful tapestry. Framed by the vendors on both sides, the moment of the crowd, even on the busiest day, is never hurried. Chatters amongst the shoppers and exchanges of deals create a collective hum, quietly drowning the sounds of city traffic.
It’s a gathering place for gourmets and locavores. Everything was brought in from places within driving distance to the city. New varieties of herbs and vegetables are being introduced. Artisan cheeses and bread are free for sampling. Vintners elaborating on their new productions are quick to offer a taste.
It’s a gathering place for creative souls. Chefs of high-end restaurants line up tasting menus with the best harvests of the season. Weavers and knitters visualize new designs with hand-dyed organic yarns. Photographers stroll around with their equipment catching the right moment for good shots. Writers, mingled with the crowd, are watching out and listening in for new stories.
Before the convenience of modern transportation, people in rural areas would gather at a central location on fixed dates to exchange goods—forming a market. These marketplaces were called 市集 in Chinese. Since they only took place once in a while, one must hurry to the locations: 趕集. Greenmarket at Union Square is an internationally known market that opens four days a week all year round. But, for busy New Yorkers or foreign visitors, it does take a bit of effort to be there at the right time when the supplies are fresh.
Let’s go to the market. 趕集去吧！
