To Market, to Market, to buy.......

   Say 'hometown' to most people and they'll
think about the community where they were
born and grew up.
   Say 'Hometown' to most people in our area
and they'll think about the "Hometown Farmer's
Market" in the community of Hometown not
far from Hazleton!
   We paid a visit to the Hometown Farmer's
Market this past Wednesday. You have to go
Wednesdays because that's the only time
it's open. But it is open every Wednesday, 52
weeks a year! I usually think about it on a
Thursday.
    The term 'Farmer's Market' may be a bit
misleading when it comes to the operation at
Hometown. There are plenty of farmers
represented on the 12 acre site. But there are
many vendors who will probably have you
thinking "Flea Market' as you shop.
    And here, just like everywhere else, you
have to be a smart shopper!
    My buddy bought a tarp there a couple of
weeks ago from a guy set up under a tent.
     Several days later he saw the
same tarp in a local discount store selling at
about half the price!
     There are some real quality items and
services to be found.
      But there are also a few things like
small toys that look like they have a life
expectancy of about 12 hours.
     Still there are bargains to be found.
     And the food there is be pretty
hard to beat!
     The French Fries are so popular there's
usually a line waiting to get an order or two!
     I'm always in that line!
     That's cause I love fries, which are made
from potatos and, after all, this is 'National
Potato Day!'
     There are baked goods that can probably
add a couple of pounds just by looking!
      Meats and cheese of all kinds!
      A gourmet Coffee stand.
      Did I mention the French Fries!?
      There are Coin, Card, and Collectible
stands.
     There's all kinds of clothing for sale. If you're
looking for some particular logo chances are
you'll find it at some body's stand.
      There's not a lot in my size except maybe
the socks. I saw sock stands everywhere!
      Many of the vendors travel a long way to
get to Hometown each week. For many
English is a second language. But they all
speak dollars! And they speak that fluently!
       According to the Market's website 200 to
300 vendors set up shop during the peak
season. 6,000 to 10,000 customers visit during
that same period!
       It's a fun place to shop, or at least to
look around and get some good food!
       Hope you get to check it out sometime,
get to try the French Fries, and that all your
NEWS is good!