Last summer, on a very hot and humid Saturday morning, my three year-old son and I stopped to get a fresh iced tea at one of the Binford Farmers Market booths. Both avid tea drinkers, we spoke with the tea vendor, asking questions and taking turns smelling the different kinds he had available. My son was excited to learn about the variety of teas and we left with a caffeine-free strawberry one that he would be able to help make at home. When he got home, he told his dad all he had learned about tea and then let his little sister smell the strawberry scented leaves before fixing some (with help) for all of us to share. This is just one of a hundred "little moments" my children have had at the local market.

While mine are only two and four now, kids of all ages can enjoy the market. From babies enjoying the visual stimulation of a new place, to preschoolers learning colors and numbers, there can be something fun at every booth. Elementary school-aged children can learn about money, transactions, farming and how food gets to our tables. Even teenagers, who may be able to find out about volunteering and internship opportunities with different vendors, can develop a deeper appreciation for community involvement, new foods and other cultures. They can meet farmers, bakers, artists and entertainers. And parents may be pleasantly surprised that, given a chance, there are many more things that interest kids than just plastic toys, video games and iPods.

With friendly people, plenty of fresh, local food, live entertainment and warm summer days; hanging out at the market is a great way for families to spend time together. What could be more fun than exploring new foods with your kids - not just nagging them about trying new things, but showing them you're eager (or maybe not eager, but willing) to give a weird, new food a shot?

Granted, I love quiet mornings when I go by myself to the market and grab a cup of coffee, linger at the booths a little longer and stroll back home, but I also like sharing the experience with my kids. And people of all ages will always benefit from supporting their neighbors and community by buying local food and supporting local farmers markets.

By Kerry Baugh, Binford Farmers Market customer and volunteer

The Binford Farmers Market is a unique experience for me. I dodge shopping in general like it’s a debt collector and my poor husband is often stuck doing it for me. And with the rise of the green movement comes an inundation of ads and articles about eating organically, nitrate-free, or all natural to the point that going to the grocery feels a little like running a gauntlet.

But not the market. There I’m free to stroll and peruse and do our favorite thing: try new foods. I feel like we sampled everything available. And vendors love to give samples, making them my favorite people! We had the chicken salad from Dee's Signature Salads, which was deliciously creamy with a beautiful balance of dill and spices. We tried the lamb sausage from Viking Lamb, which if you haven't had lamb or think you don't like it please, go to Viking Lamb and try it again.

And the lemon curd from Delicious Additions was a particular favorite of R. We nearly had to pin her down to keep her from running back for more.

Saturdays have quickly become a relaxing break from our hurried routine of work and school—a time that we can gather as a family and take a moment to slow down and enjoy what summer has to offer. I can't wait for next Saturday to see what new vendors have hopped on the market train to show off their wares. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the Lemon Chive Angel Hair pasta from Pappardelle’s Pasta. We just tossed it with a simple pepper butter and served it with yellow squash and broccoli. It was scrumptious and perfect for a warm summer evening.

By Britney Earwood, Binford Farmers Market customer and volunteer