Athens F.M. Video

This is a great video of the Athens Farmers Market. I couldn't think of a better way to introduce non-visitors to the market than to show exactly what it is like in moving-picture format.

This video showcases some of the best parts of the weekly festivities. The music, one of the most distinctive aspects of the Market, lends the backdrop to the scene. The panning image of an empty parking lot quickly becomes crowded with people and cars. The video shows vendors preparing for the hoards of people to descend on University Mall. David Gutknecht, the man in the yellow vest and former manager of the Market, rings the bell to officially commence the extravaganza. People parade in, snatching up the best that the Market has to offer while they still can.

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There is much more to the video, and I advise all to have a look. Overall, though, for those who have not visited the market, I don't think there is anything better than a video to accustom one's self to an unfamiliar place. The video is like an enticing sample of the real thing. It truly does get you in the mood to visit this place. One gets to see some of the great people (and characters) who visit the market. The video also is a great introduction to the vast variety of food that is offered at the market.

The video portrays a side of Athens' culture that most students don't see. The vendors in the video and a majority of the customers are "townies," folks who live in Athens year round as opposed to only nine months. There is a vivid disconnect between the locals and most Ohio University students who consider Athens nothing more than a four-year stop on the railroad of life that ends at bigger and better places. Why this happens is beyond the scope of this discussion, but time should be taken to experience one's cultural surroundings, especially when that culture is as unique, emotive and downright inspiring as Appalachian culture. That culture can be found at Athens Farmers Market.

The video was found on YouTube. It was produced by Stan Alost, Assistant Director of Ohio University's School of Visual Communication.