UDJ 5-16 Column
From CFI
Ukiah, you never fail to impress! The farmer’s market opened big this year … but week two set a new county record. Given that the season is still just sprouting, that is amazing.
Word must be getting out that our local farmer’s markets make grocery shopping fun. Whatever you do, don’t let your friends in the Bay Area find out.
Now that you are in the know, it will be no surprise that tomorrow’s market is a must do event. Our local bounty will be starting to show. Expect Covelo Organics to rejoin the market, adding to the excellent and expanding produce coming from the Ortiz Brothers, Sky Hoyt and others. If you expect more every week as we head toward summer you will be right.
The Ukiah Farmer’s Market is the right place to be on Saturday morning for a bushel full of reasons. Suppose you are really coming just because it is fun. No one would blame you if you tell the neighbors you went to the farmer’s market to get the best available nutrition and flavor, support family farmers, maximize your contribution to the local economy, increase our community security, promote humane treatment of animals, get back in touch with the seasons and nature, connect with your community, and/or contribute to the preservation of our local open space. By choosing to shop at the farmer’s market you do all those good things as well. I’ll explain further later in the season as column space permits.
Can where you get a head of lettuce really affect so many things? Heck yes. As an example, even a small effort on your part can make a huge difference to our local family farmers. A Massachusetts study found that if only 1% of locals shifted $12 per week over the growing season to source like farmer’s markets net income of county farmers would increase by 50%. Think that wouldn’t affect a decision about keeping land in a family farm?
Here are some highlights of tomorrow’s market:
• More great selection of local starter plants for your garden from several local growers, including a guest benefit appearance by the Potter Valley Garden Club – this week only.
• Guitar music from the St. Mary’s school program at 9AM.
• Pastels on the Plaza!! Last I heard the organizers were expecting around 80 artists, all creating something beautiful, unique, ephemeral and just for you. The Pastels event includes an array of entertainment including vocal group Breath, Samba and African drumming, Waldorf and St. Mary’s school choirs, storytelling and more!
• Mendocino County Water Agency will be under the pavilion to provide tips, guidance, and share ideas about water conservation, pollution prevention, and alternatives to toxic chemicals. Give-away items, games, and activities will be on hand to share the wonderful story of water.
• The Friends of the Market group will meet in the market café at 10 AM. All are welcome.
One preview: next week all of the candidates for Board of Supervisor in District 2 will be in the Market Café. This will be your opportunity for an informal conversation with the candidates before you vote.
A Farmers Market high five to Tami Bartolomei, North Coast Opportunities and the many fine people who put together The Human Race. You were great neighbors. Hope to see you call back at the market next week.
The Ukiah Saturday market is open from 8:30 AM to noon every Saturday and is located on School Street starting at Clay Street and in Alex Thomas Plaza. Parking is easy, but walking is healthy. Questions about the market? Contact Scott Cratty at 462-7377 or cratty@comcast.net
