Squash and okra and mushrooms, oh my!

That’s right, everybody, it’s time for a holiday you probably didn’t know existed but won’t mind celebrating. After all, why shouldn’t we give some props to farmers markets, which bring fresh, healthy, local food to cities, where lots of people need and want it? And if you’re wondering how exactly to celebrate, I’ve got some suggestions.

Why not try out a market you’ve never been to before? This past Sunday, I visited my friend Mignon in D.C. and we hit up the DuPont Circle farmers market, a first trip for both of us. The wealth of samples won me over immediately. It reminded me of when my grandma and I used to form entire lunches out of the samples at Sam’s Club, except here it was oh-so-fresh peaches and cubes of artisan cheese. As if that wasn’t enough, we also indulged in the taco trio at the Chaia booth. Summer squash with dill sauce and goat cheese in a hot-off-the-griddle tortilla? Yes, please! Okay, sure, I was so in love with the market that I almost missed my bus, but if you told me I’d have to sprint through Union Station every time I ate one of those tacos, my decision would remain unchanged.

If a new farmers market isn’t in the cards, you could always buy something at your usual market that you might pass by on an ordinary day. I’m already using this line of thinking to justify purchases at the Grand Army Plaza farmers market next Saturday. Maybe I’ll buy the hot sauce I’ve been eyeing or a mess of nectarines or maybe even a whole pie. It is a holiday, after all.

Or you could put on a giant carrot costume and play the kazoo to mark the holiday. Really, it’s up to you.

Tell us how you celebrate National Farmers Market Week in the comments section.