The words farmers' market tend to conjure up one image: stacks of colorful, organic veggies. But there's so much more to the Portland Farmers' Market than food. At yesterday's market in Deering Oaks Park, the acrobats and tightrope walkers were showing off their talents by the stone bridge.

Music was in the air too, courtesy of these guys who filled the market with a folksy beat. Tucked here and there between the farmers' stands, artists and jewelry makers offered their wares to the crowd.

Because eating local food is all the rage these day, the sheer number of people shopping at the market can be a bit overwhelming. While this can mean you'll have to fight to get your hands on the last heirloom tomatoes, signature gatherers and politicians say the place can't be beat. In the center (with her back to the camera) is Anna Trevorrow, who's running for Portland School Committee. In less than three hours, she and her team picked up 160 signatures supporting her bid for office. Current Mayor Ed Suslovic (who's facing two challengers for his city council seat) was also there looking for John Hancocks to add to his nominating papers. So whether you're looking for politics, art, music or food, you can find it at the farmers' market.

Portland Farmers' Market
Wednesday, 7 am-2 pm
Monument Square

Saturday, 7 am-noon
Deering Oaks Park