South Wedge Farmers Market - Portrait Party

South Wedge is a funky, diverse neighborhood just south of downtown Rochester. Though it experienced decline in the last half of the twentieth century, the neighborhood has come back as a vibrant, urban village.

One indicator of the neighborhood's village-like atmosphere is its Farmers Market, held June through October on Thursday evenings. On average, about 700 of the neighborhood's 4,000 residents make an appearance.

Why feature this on Community Memory? Well, in addition to serving a community need in a historic neighborhood, the Market celebrated its opening with a portrait party, capturing the market's vendors, people, and even "Zach and Kate's chicken". This simple project--using a funky old sheet as a backdrop--has some visually stunning results. Not only does it help create a sense of the community today, but the portraits can also be thought of as documentation to help future generations understand the evolution of the South Wedge and its residents.

In a non-history related tangent, be sure to check out the market's website: http://www.swfarmersmarket.org/ Not only can you see more of the portrait party, but you can snag some amazing sounding recipes from residents. Raspberry buttermilk cake with strawberry basil pesto...mmm....