Vacationing Du Quoin Woman Runs Into Prince Charles
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Small world.
Just ask Barbie Fred of Du Quoin.
Barbie is vacationing in Scotland and while in Perth's farmers' market, Prince Charles walks up, introduces himself and shakes her hand.
Wow!
"How are you enjoying the market?" the prince asked.
"I should have invited the Prince to our own farmers market as he is a great believer in home grown produce," Barbie told the newspaper in an eMail. "He did ask me where I was from, and if I was enjoying the market."
"The prince is a strong advocate of organic farming and the type of direct-to-customer sales of local seasonal produce the monthly markets offer.
Organizer Adeline Watson said, "This is a great honour for us and reflects the efforts that we have put in to try and create a vibrant marketplace that is attractive for customers and allows local producers the opportunity to sell produce in their own area."
"We are aware the prince has a great interest in this process. Locally-produced food, which helps sustain the rural economy and reduces environmentally damaging transportation, is something we feel sure he will appreciate," she said of the visit.
"This is the first time the market has been held on a Tuesday and it will give us the opportunity to meet new customers who, perhaps, do not come in to Perth on a Saturday."
Perth Farmers' Market was the first of its kind in Scotland and, nationwide, there are over 50 weekend local showcases in operation.