UDJ 6-6 Column
From CFI
Excellent market last Saturday! The community spirit is palpable, fun is being had. We also added hot food service! Check out the meal options offered by the Himalayan Café in the market café.
The market was so bustling and well attended that I heard the first concerns about parking. Lest anyone consider missing the market because they do not find a ginormous field of empty asphalt nearby, here is today’s market tip:
6. Walking is not only healthy but (you may want to be sitting down for this) parking a few blocks away from the market can enhance experience. I better explain. If you can always park right in front of your favorite local store, that is bad. The same is true of your farmer’s market. Businesses thrive on busyness – and you want our good locally-owned businesses and farms to thrive. A good local business or event does us the additional service of providing motivation and a rewarding objective for a little healthy walking.
Instead of an acre of asphalt the Ukiah Farmer’s Market offers you a park, a plaza and an excuse to explore different paths through beautiful, historic and exquisitely walkable downtown Ukiah. Why not park in the lot a bit North of the market across from Cheesecake Momma. That way you get to explore the many fine small shops along on School Street as you stretch your legs on the way to or from the market. Feeling adventurous? Try the lot just North of the public library on Main Street. Then you can stop in at great places like Incognito and Dragon’s Lair or pick up a book for the kids on the way back from the market. There are yet more nearby lots on Oak Street next to the Post Office and at City Hall.
Now that you know you can get to tomorrow’s market, here is what you will find in addition to the usual selection of excellent, farm fresh local food (and local crafts):
• Ukiah Brewing Company Cooking Demonstration: Chef Ellery Clark will show us how to prepare local beef meatballs in lemon basil mustard sauce plus polenta topped with wilted greens, house made hummus, tomato, cucumber, olives and balsamic reduction. 10 AM. • The annual Audubon society benefit rummage sale, which will feature heaps of great gently used merchandise plus an educational table staffed by knowledgeable Auduboners with books, brochures, nests, and some beautiful bird study specimens. • Introducing Shoefly & Sox, an independent, local business visits the pavilion. • Traditional Irish Music by Kristine Robin & Bob Laughton. • Loretta Lazar & Eliza Wingate help children understand how to prevent dog bites. 10 AM
Speaking of dogs, the least pleasant part of the market manager job is having to inform customers that dogs are not allowed in the market (a health regulation). However, as noted above, part of the fun of the market is walking and part of a good walk, for many people, is a dog. Help is on the way. We are hoping to implement a dog valet service in the park area by June 14.
Tip of the week: Get ready for local fruit and berry season. The Gowan’s, who brought the first Anderson Valley cherries last Saturday, say that the first peaches may be ready tomorrow. Berry specialists Grille’s Acre rejoins the market tomorrow and local blueberry grower Allterra Organics should also be back soon. Expect a local berry celebration on June 28.
Teaser of the week: We will be filming a TV commercial at the market on June 14. More next week …
Confirmed Rotary member count last Saturday was eight. The Kiwanis may have trouble topping that.
Ukiah’s certified farmer’s markets, where grocery shopping is fun, are from 8:30 AM to noon Saturday and 3-6 PM Tuesday’s on School Street starting at Clay Street and in Alex Thomas Plaza.
