Exceeding  expected results the birth of the first Farmer’s Market in Tijuana was held this past Sunday July 18th in the Chapultepec district of the city.

The images of a pretty  8 year old girl alongside her mother with their grocery basket in hand was the crowning of the more than six month effort,more images joined like the senior neighbor couple dressed with their Sunday best for the occasion that arrived early,strolling by the same sidewalk where more than 40 years earlier they decided  to settle and build their home,where their children would grow.The young couples pushing the stroller and shade to offset the morning sun for their rosy cheeked toddler.

 

The young mom with an executive air that asked about the painting class for her 5 year old daughter so that she could have some time to shop in the meantime. Even the family that came together to the market riding bicycles. Among many more satisfaction was that the surrounding sidewalks ,palm trees and street corners where all silent witness to something long forgotten,pedestrians walking their neighborhood.there was now a reason to once again stroll down ,greet their neighbors, say hello,time not a factor something that had been missing maybe more than 30 years.Seems that this simple joys of every day life have now become less accessible,but not on this Sunday morning.

 

This Sunday Young and old shared seeked to learn the interesting details of how abalone and oyster  are farmed in Erendira in Baja California Sur waters,taste the aged cheeses that where sold out in a nanosecond, additional shipments where needed to fill all requests. Hogaza breads that would even amaze Europeans with their taste and aroma, some with basil,olives and a Mexican staple for Teresita the breadmaker…. Chiplotle.

 

At times the men would join in the geography of the wines,and micro breweries like Miguel Fuentes. Abel Bibayoff and 5 other wine producers from Valle de Guadalupe would take tourns awarding the palate of those who patiently waited their turn to taste those earthy and perfumed wines, with strong character, a recognitiong that Baja California wines have earned.

 

Another area of the market that turned into an Oasis was the artisanal beer area where Cucapa of Mexicali recognized as one of Mexico’s finest beers and Tijuana Beer awarded medals at both Chicago and Australia fairs, both have a exquisite taste ,are also  recognized for the high quality of their ingredients and their renown master brewers. 

 

Teenage girls enjoyed the creativity from makers of faux jewelry made from natural plants and recyclable materials.

Children were entertained by Heim the magician that even captured the grownups attention with his gothic air.

 

This weekend for many Tijuana families it was a stay home weekend, all the efforts from the coastal and valley growers to come to Tijuana from  their faraway towns and show their treasures was all worthwhile due to the recognition of these educated and world savvy  Tijuanenses who are accustomed to quality products and can recognize efforts of these hard working men and women who help to obtain high marks for Baja California. 

Hope to see you  next Sunday at www.mercadocampestre.com