Editor's Note
Summer
By Jillian Melnyk, Editor
When June hits I get what I like to call "Rochester Winter Amnesia". It’s a chronic problem that nearly 750,000 Rochestarians face each year (let’s just say the vast majority). Symptoms include: forgetting all about the long grueling months of ice, snow, more ice, and more snow, and basking in Rochester’s sunshine with frequent exclamations of “I just LOVE Rochester’s weather!”
Summer in Upstate New York is filled with fairs, festivals, and fun there is always something to do within just a stone's throw of your doorstep. To help you plan for the next few wonderful months, this issue is packed with places to go (check out our Summer Fun & Travel Guide on page 41), a list of farmers' markets (page 11), and our Calendar of Events, which this month includes a chunk of local fairs and festivals to help you plan all the way into August (page 50). A few weeks ago, I went to the Rochester Public Market for the first time this season. After being cooped up inside all winter hibernating it felt great to get outdoors and experience the warm sun on my shoulders. I brought my friend Andy to the market, a newbie who had never been before. "This is incredible," he told me, as we gobbled down breakfast sandwiches (a Rochester Public Market classic). We strolled through the aisles, and even I (a seasoned market-goer) was impressed by the vast variety and affordability of produce and items available – I picked up potatoes, sausage, Caribbean pasta, and fresh-baked bread for under $15! The economy isn't so hot right now – we know, we know, it's been drilled into us by employers, politicians, and the media for quite a few months now – it's becoming old hat. If you are like me, you are sick of hearing about it. But, that still leaves us looking to pinch our pennies and save some cash – and in my opinion the Rochester Public Market is a great place to start! Not only can you buy things quite affordably, but you're supporting local agriculture, too. This month we bring you a great article from New York native Yvona Fast who shares the benefits of farmers' markets. The
Rochester area is filled with markets during the summer months, so I encourage you to get out and explore what they have to offer. Sometimes I feel like there is so much going on in June that Dads get a little overshadowed. Let's not forget that June 21st is not only the first day of summer, but it is Father's Day, too. How about go out and celebrate both of these wonderful events together – enjoy the sunshine and Dad at the same time by treating to him some fun outdoors. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the grass is green! Ahhh, now this, this is Rochester at it's finest… Welcome, summer!
Jillian
This column appeared originally in the June 2009 issue of Genesee Valley Parent Magazine.