There will not be music at the Wallingford Farmers Market this Wednesday, unfortunately. Colleen Kurke, who has been organizing the monthly addition of live music to our weekly mini-festival writes:
We had complaints from the vendors and others neighbors of the park that the threeperson drum circle [that played at the market in July] was too loud and their display distracted people from the Farmers Market. I disagree I thought it was a great addition to the market and the drums were non amplified and mellow. I’m working with the FM coordinator on the Sept 10th event hoping that it will be OK’d.
I have to say I’m disappointed. I’ll admit that I wasn’t there that week, so I have to base this on what I imagine music would be like, but it sure seems like kids, picnics, food, and games just pairs so nicely with a little music. If it was too close to the vendors, I would think they would just move it back.
When I was out for Seattle Night Out, I talked to some folks who lived right next to the Farmers Market, and they complained a bit about how difficult it was to find parking next to their own homes during the market. But then they shrugged, and said, effectively, “but hey, it’s worth it to have that great market.”
Again, with the caveat that I wasn’t there, I’m surprised the neighbors don’t take the same “live and let live” attitude towards the music, cutting it a little slack, for a couple hours per month. But I’d be interested to hear from those who live near it, if I’ve got something wrong.
We really missed the music today at the farmer’s market. My 9 month old twins love to sit and listen to the music while they enjoy the fresh fruit (and I do too). What a shame that a few outliers complained and now the music has stopped, when I am sure the majority of the people love it. Please bring it back!
I thoroughly enjoyed the drummers !! The kids liked them too ! We stayed much longer and had our dinner there to listen. What a shame !!
Weird, I was at the farmers market yesterday (as I am every Wednesday) and there was music. Not a drum circle but a duo playing guitar.
I can totally understand why it would be hard for a vendor to do business with loud music playing. It’s great that we have this market in such a space that allows for families to have dinner and socialize there but its primary mission is to allow farmers to sell their goods. I do my weekly grocery shopping here and it’s sometimes it’s difficult when carrying my shopping bags/flowers/flats of berries to weave around people socializing.
Again with the Wallingford obsession with Parking Right In Front of Your House.
The ambiance of the park, the market, and families and neighbors is destroyed by war drums. It doesn’t fit. Any kind of music should be a background music and not the star of the event by drowning out conversations.
Steve