Joan Young, coins herself as one of the founders of the farmers market. For 40 years the Paris, ill. resident has sold her fresh fruits and vegetables at the market and over the decades her posture has become more hunched over with age and hard work. However, she always straightens up when a customer ventures over to her stand.

“I enjoy the people,” Young said. “I look forward to it every year. I have seen children growing up and being born here. When you don’t see them, you miss them.”

Young has a wide smile, which along with her frizzy gray hair and red sweatpants help her to stick out in the midst of her fresh fruit and vegetables.

The faint beeping of the weighing station can be heard over the pleasant conversation as the produce fell heavy on top of it. Young’s experienced fingers swarm across the buttons and within seconds the transaction is complete.

One of the only things that has changed over the years is Young’s company at the booth. Her husband passed away recently, but Young’s two sons Bob and Steve help her at the market.

Young can be seen selling her produce twice a week both at the Charleston market and in her hometown.

Illustration by Michael Scanlan

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