By John Ray

There are certain holidays everyone celebrates: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday. Then there are events that are specific to certain places and people, like the first day of ice fishing season in Wisconsin or Toad Suck Daze down in Conway.

Fayetteville has a number of these — the Block Street Party, turning on the Lights of the Ozarks and Dickson Street’s Springfest — but none is more sacred than the annual opening of the Farmer’s Market on the Square, which was pristine and packed out this year.

The absolute best way to experience this glorious local party is always by bike. Here’s why:

1. No parking? No problem. Let’s face it, when our illustrious city planners laid out the roads and parking for this growing mountain metropolis a century ago, they had no idea that so many cars would replace the wagons and Model T’s of the day. There just ain’t enough parking for everyone to drive their own Subaru. No such worries when you cruise up on your bike, though. Front door parking is readily available and totally free.
2. Eat without guilt. The carb fest that’s offered on any given market day is magnificent. From sweet rolls as big as your noggin to the magical toast served up at the new Arsaga’s on Church and Center, you could pack in quite a few calories amidst all the fruit and veggies. Riding to and from the market is a great way to reach your caloric offset quota so you can indulge without guilt.
3. Henna by Hannah. Shameless plug here for the author’s daughter who often sits outside The Anchor on Saturdays and offers some of the best henna tattoos this side of the Himalayas. Thing is, these temporary works of art take a bit of time to dry, and riding your bike speeds up the process.
4. Acclimate. The process of constantly jumping from air-conditioned habitations and modes of transportation can be stressful. If you’re not properly acclimated to the outdoors, your ability to enjoy the market will be compromised. Heck, after the sweat you’ll work up riding to the market in July or August, a slow meander through the booths will seem downright refreshing.  
5. Fit is Funky. In our increasingly-sedentary society, fitness stands out as abnormal. You wanna wear your faded “Keep Fayetteville Funky” t-shirt with pride? Live out the motto by eschewing the gas-guzzling, gut-growing drive and hop on your pedal-powered steed for your commute to this local mecca for Fayettevillians. You’ll be glad you did.

Grace and peace y’all