Week Eight at the Market

The Market Menu video is taking a break this week. Hopefully we'll be back in business next week.

Things are shaping up nicely for the Market this weekend - while there's a chance of rain, the chances are MUCH higher that it'll be hot and sunny, just like last weekend. I tend to look at the weather forecast and not get too bothered by any mention of rain these days. A little rain never hurt anyone, you know what I mean?

So, produce. Things are happening with produce thanks to the heat and the rain - Market vendors are offering summer stuff now, like zucchini, cucumbers, raspberries and cherries, blueberries, salad greens (though the lettuces and spinach dislike the heat, so these foods might be limited), peas, peaches and apricots, currants, green beans, green onions, etc. There may be a tomato or two, but expect more next week if the heat keeps up. Yum!

Just a reminder, too, that the Market has several meat producers offering up the very best in farm-raised meats of all kinds. Please check out these vendors and, if you're curious about how the animals are raised - ask them about it! Growers love to talk about their farms. Same goes for eggs and cheese and honey - talk to your producer about how they steward their beasts. It's fascinating stuff and helps eaters see why Eating Here is so important.

Need I mention all the wonderful baked goods and prepared foods? Shop all five rows for all kinds of food, y'all. It's everywhere in the Market.

Come for the food, stay for the art - the Market's many local artisans will have something for the dad in your life.

And the kids! bring the kids! This weekend's we're offering up the second Sprouts at the Market event for the season. This event is about defining all those words we hear at the Market and when people talk about food - local, organic, seasonal. What do these words mean? How can kids Eat Here? More importantly, what is there to eat? The event starts at 9 and runs to 11 AM. Kids can start at any Sprouts table within the Market - there are five in all, including the tent at the NW entrance to the Market - and kids who finish the activity will get a Certificate of Participation, which they can use for a 15% discount at Art Mart Toys until 2 PM Saturday. Awesome! Here's a partial list of participating growers: Tomahnous Farm, Moore Family Farm, Tiny Greens, Omega Farm, Blue Moon Farm, Prairie Fruits Farm... many thanks to all the growers who have supported the programming over the last few seasons!

That's it for now - see everyone out at the Market. EVERYONE! :)