Farmers Market Messenger -- for Market Day August 18, 2011
Though the national and state news are full of economic uncertainty, north metro residents need look no further than the Maple Grove Farmers Market for evidence of entrepreneurial spirit. We're a vendor-grown, vendor made Market. And as our very own Market Manager Kirsten states: "That means that our vendors are growing and creating their own products through their own initiative. We have a number of very successful vendors who have left their previous careers in order to offer their fantastic food products here at our Market. Our shoppers know that their food dollars are supporting these neighbors right here in the Metro area."
With National Farmers Market week recently completed, the national nonprofit Farmers Market Coalition reports that farmers markets are bolstering local economies nationwide. Nationally, the number of farmers markets has grown 150% since 2000, from 2,863 markets in 2000 to 7,175 in 2011.
Produce Report: We're looking toward fall as the apples make their first appearance at Market. Look also for more delicious sweet corn and a bounty of tomatoes, the beginning of melon season, and a wide variety of delicious vendor-grown veggies.
Vendor of the Week: It's a corn collaboration! Beck's Farm is partnering with J. Cousineau for a truly seasonal, local treat. Purchase a dozen ears of sweet corn at Beck's and you'll receive a token for one free ear of Beck's sweet corn roasted at J. Cousineau's trailer at the Market!
Friend of the Market Sponsors: The Market welcomes the Minnesota School of Business and Step by Step Montessori as Market sponsors. Stop by their booths this Thursday to learn about the great educational opportunities provided by these two institutions.
Community Partner Sponsors: Our season long-sponsors are Grove Services and Trillium Chiropractic. Stop by to chat with Tom about cutting the cost of your cable bill in these tight times. At Trillium's booth, you'll receive a free health assessment as well as some tips on healthy, holistic living.
Fresh Fare--Pick up free recipes using fresh sweet corn at the Market Info Trailer!
Frequent Shopper Program-Stop by the Market Info Trailer to complete your frequent shopper card. We'll punch it for you each week when you come to the Market. If you're one of the first 200 to receive 5 punches, you'll receive a $5 gift certificate to spend anywhere in our Market! All participants will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 Personal Shopping Spree at the Market.
Discover You Can- Stop by our Market Info Trailer to receive recipes, high-value coupons, canning brochures, and to ask your canning questions.
4 to 7 pm: Enjoy the music of the Dean Harrington Trio. Dean has been playing the guitar for over 30 years and performs many styles of music including Jazz, Classical, Blues, Rock, Folk, and more. Dean and his trio are Market favorites.
4:30 p.m. Family story time. Every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. is the time for kids to "Grow with Great Stories". Storytime is held under a shady tree near the Market Info Booth. Come pull up a carpet square for a couple short stories
Visit the Maple Grove Farmers Market this and every Thursday through October 20, 2011. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. through September and 3 to 6 p.m. for October. You will find over 55 vendors offering vendor-made and -grown fresh produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, eggs, meat and dairy products, cheese, breads, hummus, salsa, syrups, sauces, jams, honey, candies, and much more! Come visit us outside at the Maple Grove Community Center (12951 Weaver Lake Road) for a flavorful start to your weekend!
See you at the Market!
Carol Morris
Market Coordinator
cmorris@ci.maple-grove.mn.us
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