Bluegrass Farmers Market

Just when you think everything is going along smoothly, something manages to go wrong. :(

First the good news...the Bluegrass Farmers' Market will once again return to the Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs location on Richmond Rd. for our 2012 season! Yippee!!! We'll see on April 14^th! :)

Now for the bad news...the satellite market in MillPond Shopping Center is not going to happen this year. :( It seems that Kroger does not like sharing the parking lot with farmers who grow local, fresh fruits and vegetables. There is nothing we can do about it other than look for another location in the neighborhood. But, the Millpond farmers will be at our Richmond Rd. location until that happens...so you can still come visit your favorite farmers!

Someone asked me why they should shop at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market vs. the other market in town. My answer...they are both great markets, it just depends on what you are looking for. I decided that I can consider myself qualified to give my opinion on both markets seen as how I have been a vendor at both of them. Here's what I consider the pros and cons of each market...

Lexington Farmers Market

Pros

Loads of vendors!

Street musicians!

Plenty of prepared food available!

You can buy market tote bags, shirts, hats, etc!

At least 3 locations and 4 or more market days!

Festival atmosphere!

Smiling faces!

Cons

Not very good parking

Crowded

Not wheelchair or stroller friendly at Saturday market

Bunches of dogs (although I never minded them)

Not guaranteed homegrown...reselling is allowed

Bluegrass Farmers' Market

Pros

Excellent (and free) parking!

Stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Trees!

100% homegrown/produced items only!

Every farmer has been certified in GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) training as recommended under the Food Modernization Act...we've been doing it all along! :)

Each and every farmer is certified Kentucky Proud...not just the market as a whole!

Our farmers know what they sell because they grew, raised, made or baked it! No reselling allowed!

Two market days per week! Yes, we consider that a pro simply because a farmer needs to be working on the farm! Lol

Not many dogs, but the ones that visit are very welcome because we have plenty of walkway to share!

Free market totes, hats, etc. during customer appreciation events!

A true farmers market!

Smiling faces!

Cons

We don't have prepared food vendors

We're grower/producer only so we don't have 70 vendors

We do not have musicians but our farmers have been known to break out in song

So, as you can see...they are both great, it just depends on what you are looking for. Only you can decide if you want to shop at a true 100% guaranteed farmers market or at a festival type market. What the heck...shop at both of them! :)

Yup, that's right...we have some space for new market members!

Lexington's largest 100% homegrown/produced farmers market is now accepting applications for new members!

We have been voted the #1 farmers market in Kentucky for the past two years in a row in the America's Favorite Farmers Market contest!

If you are looking for a farmer/producer only market than we're the place to go! Our customers appreciate the fact that they know where our products come from. They love the fact that we know about our products...it's not just a potato, it's a Red Norland! And, those tomatoes are heirloom, not just a plain old tomato!

Basically, the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is a great group of knowledgeable growers and producers of some of Kentucky's finest!

If you would like more information, an application or just a copy of our rules...contact our Bluegrass Farmers' Market President, Roger Postley at (859) 278-4846 or by email at rpostley@aol.com

I have to say that the one really great part of being a member of the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is the fact that members actually have a say in what happens at the market. We have an annual meeting where members can voice their opinions, discuss matters at hand and vote on whatever needs to be taken care of! We really are members and not just participants.

Well, that annual general membership meeting is coming up on Saturday, December 10, 2011. All members of the Bluegrass Farmers' Market should attend...it's your market and this is the time to bring up any suggestions that you might have! And, any farmer or producer who is considering joining the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is also welcome to attend...just remember that we are a 100% homegrown or produced market. If you buy anything to resell, we're sorry but you'll have to go to another market.

Please note that there is a change in the location of the meeting this year. Here are the specifics...

DATE: December 19, 2011

TIME: 9:00AM

LOCATION: Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church education building, 356 Hillsboro Avenue, Lexington, KY. The church is located in the back of the Meadowthorpe neighborhood.

DIRECTIONS: From Leestown Rd. (Exit 7 off of New Circle Rd.) head towards downtown. Turn right at the traffic light directly across from Kroger's (two blocks inside of New Circle Rd.) which is Boiling Springs Dr. This road goes to the back of the subdivision and right to the church area.

If you have any questions, please call Roger Postley at (859) 278-4846.

Wow, what a weird day this was. For the past 6+ months the alarm goes off at 4am on Saturday morning so that we can be set up and ready for our customers to arrive at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market by 9am. While it seemed to be a real pain in the neck to crawl out of a comfortable bed, we did it anyway because that is what you do when you are a member of a farmers market. So why was today so different and weird? The 2011 market season is over for the year! EEEEEK! What the heck are we supposed to do on Saturday mornings? I can only imagine what our customers were thinking...they have established a routine too! :)

I tried to keep some of our farmers market routine going, so I insisted that we go to town and go shopping! Normally it is a food shopping experience on our way home from the “big city” but today was just a “I need to shop day cause I always do it on Saturday” day! lol And I couldn't think of a better place than the local seed store! Yup, I have already purchased seeds for next year. I know that many of our farmers have listened to what our customers want and the seed ordering has started...but, there is still time to let us know if there is anything that you would like to see next year at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market. I know that we will have some surprises next year after our expedition today and I can guarantee that many of our other farmers will surprise you too!

I just wanted to pass on a great big thanks from all of our members for the great year and for your faith in homegrown goodness. We know that it is hard to explain to folks that there just isn't corn in April...we'd love it but sorry, Kentucky weather just does not allow corn to grow that fast! Same thing with melons and tomatoes unless they are grown in a greenhouse. If you want honest to gosh, local homegrown grown freshness and flavor...you have to wait until it is time to harvest in our area! I am already cringing at the thought of a store bought tomato in January. Please hurry up and be time to harvest in Kentucky!!!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market prides itself on making our customers smile. It might be with our great fruits, veggies, jams, baked goods, herb seasoning, plants, flowers or any other item that they make, grow, bake or raise. Remember, we are 100% homegrown or produced! Our smiles come because we love what we do but in order to keep you , our customers, smiling we need to know what you want to see at our market. We listen and we'll do our best at all times...just let us know by responding and commenting.

~*~*~ We'll see ya in mid April 2012~*~*~

But, we'll also be keeping you up to date with all sorts of goodies like recipes, hints, tips, market news and some just plain old gossip about our farmers! Keep checking back all winter long. Who knows, maybe those cold winter days might seem a bit shorter! lol

Thank you for a wonderful year!

P.S. Hope you bought some wonderful homegrown sweet taters for your Thanksgiving dinner...I'll soon be passing on a favorite family recipe that I only share with special people, like you! :)

Yes, it does even though the 2011 market season has ended for the Bluegrass Farmers' Market. It's been a great year and while it is sad to see it end, it only means that our farmers have some extra time to figure out what new goodness they can bring to the market in April! Yup, take my word for it, farmers do not take the winter off and vacation in a warm climate...they work almost as hard during the colder months as they do during the heat of summer. Some crops need to be planted in the fall, fields need to be sowed with a cover crop, research needs to be done so that they can figure out what seed worked and which one didn't...then they have to plan and order for spring seeding.

This is where our customers come into play...what would you like to see at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market next year? Is there something that you have wanted to try but couldn't find it at the market? I know that I discovered a great (new to me) cucumber this year and I am hoping that McMaine's Riverhaven Farm grows the Armenian Cucumber again next year...I loved them! And, we fell in love with the Wisconsin Superior potatoes from the Green Garden on Colby farm...delicious!

Did you find something wonderful at the market? Please let us know so that you'll be able to find it again next year. And, if you just happen to see or try something new that you might want, let us know...I'll pass it on to the farmers and maybe you'll see it next season. :)

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market prides itself on making our customers smile. It might be with our great fruits, veggies, jams, baked goods, eggs, herb seasoning, plants, flowers or any other item that they make, grow, bake or raise. Remember, we are 100% homegrown or produced! Our smiles come because we love what we do but in order to keep you,  our customers, smiling we need to know what you want to see at the market next year. We listen and we'll do our best at all times...just let us know by responding and commenting.

~*~*~ We'll see ya in mid April 2012~*~*~

But, we'll also be keeping you up to date with all sorts of goodies like recipes, hints, tips, market news and some just plain old gossip about our farmers! Keep checking back all winter long. Who knows, maybe those cold winter days might seem a bit shorter! lol

Thank you for a wonderful year!

I really hate writing this blog entry...it's about our last market day of the 2011 season. That makes me sad. But, I have to admit that the Bluegrass Farmers' Market sure has a bunch to be proud of and excited about after this season. Just a few thoughts about the 2011 season...

We were voted the #1 farmers market in Kentucky for the second year in a row!!! This was a nationwide contest run by the American Farmland Trust and in order to get votes our loyal customers had to speak up! We thank you for your support and thanks for recognizing how important a 100% homegrown/produced farmers market is to folks who want to “keep it local!” The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's largest guaranteed 100% homegrown/produced market and you , our customers, showed us that it is worth the effort to be a bit smaller and to have a shorter market season. Thank you again...a million times over!!!!

We outgrew our original market site and opened a satellite market in the Mill Pond Shopping Center. Granted, it was a bit small but it sure showed promise and much growth potential. It's amazing how many farmers want an outlet to sell their products knowing that they are not competing with someone who resells. We were so glad that we found another location and could accommodate them. Heck, it turned out to be great for the folks in the Mill Pond area too!

For the second year in a row, we had a Customer Appreciation Day to show how much we really do appreciate our shoppers. Once again, we gave away market tote bags and I have to say that I love seeing those Bluegrass blue bags all over town! We even made sure that the kids had their special day too...and, they got bags that fit their size!

Let's see, what else happened...we had a great recipe day, we grinned when we saw the huge smile on the faces of our door prize winners throughout the year and we smiled as we watched the little ones decorate their very own pumpkins!

Let's just say that it was a great 2011 Bluegrass Farmers' Market season and we have all of you to thank for that. :)

But, it's not over yet....we have one more day...tomorrow! Look for...

TOMATOES

GREENS

SQUASH

PUMPKINS

GREEN BEANS

SWEET POTATOES

PEPPERS

BAKED GOODS

JAM

HERB SEASONING

BEAN SOUP MIXES

EGGS

AND, SO MUCH MORE!

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out..IT'S GONNA BE OUR LAST SATURDAY IN 2011

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Thank you so much for your support at our new market...we are now closed for the 2011 season

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And, you voted us #1 in Kentucky!

~*~*~*THANK YOU~*~*~*

WE'LL SEE YA IN APRIL 2012!

We'll keep you updated throughout

 the winter months, so make sure

 you check this blog out

occasionally!

Yup, only two more weeks left of the 2011 Bluegrass Farmers' Market season. The great thing is...we still have plenty of homegrown goodness available and if you need to stock up on jams, herb seasoning , soup mix or homemade soap, you only have two more weeks. Think holiday gifts too!

Saturday's market will have tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, peppers, winter squash, pumpkins, garlic, greens, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, eggs, etc. And, don't forget the baked goods and flowers too!

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 VERY LIMITED PARTICIPATION

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Thank you so much for your support at our new market...we are now closed for the 2011 season

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And, you voted us #1 in Kentucky!

~*~*~*DON'T FORGET~*~*~*

WE ARE OPEN

THROUGH OCTOBER 29TH!

The countdown continues...

only 3 more weeks!

It seems like we were just announcing the opening of the 2011 market season and now here we are counting down the weeks until we close for the season! It's kinda sad and it makes me wish we had a longer warm season, but...we do live in Kentucky and you never know what the weather will be like! Lol Heck, parts of the state have already had frost. EEK!!! Then you travel a mere 20 miles and they are having a heat wave. Welcome to Kentucky! :)

I guess what I am trying to say is I can only give you a hint of what will be available this week because all of the farmers said it depended on the weather.

Here are the “for sure” items...

Jams

Baked Goods

Herb Seasoning

Garlic

Pumpkins

Cut Flowers

Homemade Soap

Eggs

Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Winter Squash

Cabbage

Onions

Here are the “depends on the weather” items...

Tomatoes

Corn

Green Beans

Squash

Peppers

Okra

Cucumbers

Raspberries

Eggplant

Melons

Shiitake Mushrooms

Honestly, that's not such a bad list of “for sure” items and Mother Nature has been fairly nice this week so I anticipate the “depends on the weather” items to be at the market as well. You can be assured that whatever makes it to the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is 100% homegrown or produced...we guarantee it!

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Thank you so much for your support at our new market...we are now closed for the 2011 season

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And, you voted us #1 in Kentucky!

~*~*~*DON'T FORGET~*~*~*

WE ARE OPEN

THROUGH OCTOBER 29TH!

~*~*~The countdown has begun~*~*~

Only 4 more weeks of the 2011 Bluegrass Farmers' Market season left!

Wow, where did the summer go? It feels like I was just harvesting lettuce and then the seasons first tomato. I have to admit that I am going to miss my garden fresh tomatoes...the ones at the grocery store taste like cardboard to me. I am going to make sure that we sit down and enjoy what will probably be the last bacon, basil and tomato sandwich for the year. Please, I need some (((hugs))) because I can feel the tears starting already!

Okay, I need to get back on track and enjoy the last four weeks of 100% homegrown goodness! Maybe some wonderful squash and maybe a pumpkin pie. How about some grilled eggplant with wonderful shiitake mushrooms. I'm feeling a bit better. Oh my, I think I might even be able to get some green beans and broccoli! How could I pass up the sweet taters and onions...or the peppers. Alright, I am darn near back to normal! I could start the day off with some farm fresh eggs and toast with homemade jam. Lunch could be a perfectly seasoned soup or maybe even chili with a fabulous zucchini chocolate cake for dessert. Dinner has already been reserved for my aforementioned BBT sandwich. Yes, I am a happy camper once again. :)

Geez, I was so darn busy thinking about the “right now” that I didn't even think about stocking up on the “must haves” for winter. Honey, garlic, herb seasoning, homemade soap and of course the jam! And, I do believe that I will shop while enjoying a homemade pumpkin cookie!

Yes, everything will be available this Saturday at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market Richmond Rd. location! The weather folks are promising a warm and sunny day...much better than last week. So call a friend and come visit us as we count down the season. We want to remember our customers smiling faces!!!!

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Thank you so much for your support at our new market...we are now closed for the 2011 season

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And, you voted us #1 in Kentucky!

~*~*~*DON'T FORGET~*~*~*

WE ARE OPEN

THROUGH OCTOBER 29TH!

It's fall at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market!

That means plenty of cool weather goodness, like acorn and butternut squash, cabbage, sweet potatoes, eggplant and those wonderful pie pumpkins! But, some summer goodies are still available too...like tomatoes, green beans, peppers, watermelons, okra and garlic!

Here's a few extra special items that our farmers will have above and beyond the usual fall and summer fare...

McMaine's Riverhaven Farm has grown a really unique Japanese pumpkin/squash called Kabocha. It has an exceptional sweet flavor...even sweeter than butternut squash! It can be used in side dishes, soups, pies and even as tempura! By the way, don't pass up some of Linda's great home baked goods, they are to die for!

If you are looking for farm fresh eggs then you need to visit the Greeley Farm booth! James has delicious shiitake mushrooms too! And, just in case you didn't know, he drives all the way from Campton each Saturday so that he can bring you the freshest and the best.

Jams are always a big thing at farmers markets and we are lucky enough to have some of the best fruit jams available at Caludi's Fields booth. Judi will be more than happy to help you with a selection!

Karin and Drew at Herb'n Renewal will have their fall/winter best seller available in abundance this Saturday...Chili Season'n! It goes along with their other 23 blends!!! Karin has also been busy in the soap shop, so stop by and visit them for some great flavors and scents!

Want flowers? There's only one place to go and that is to Jane at Jane's Garden, Flowers & Herbs! Jane makes our market light up with the bright colors. Hey, she's also our garlic and basil gal!!!

These are just a few of the wonderful items that will be available this Saturday at the #1 farmers market in Kentucky!!!!

Here's another great thing happening on Saturday...and Sunday! After you visit the Bluegrass Farmers' Market take the short drive out Richmond Rd. to Old Richmond Rd. right across from Jacobson Park and go 4 miles...turn left and you'll see the Botanica sign! In case you don't recognize the name Botanica, it's our very own Vicki...the herb and plant gal from the market. She's having a pumpkin harvest at her farm this weekend! All sorts of fun things including a petting barn, corn hole games, corn maze, search for the “money” pumpkins and even a photo session with an “old tractor!” Give her a holler if you need more information at (859) 806-9424.

Once again, we want to thank all of our loyal customers for their continued support during our 2011 market season. It's not easy being the 100% homegrown/produced market in town because our market tends to be smaller during the spring and fall because we do not allow any vendors who resell...we grow, raise, bake or produce what we offer for sale!

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Saturday 9 until 2 CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Thursday 3 until 6:30 CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd. SEE YA IN APRIL 2012! Thank you for a great first year! :)

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And, you voted us #1 in Kentucky!

~*~*~*DON'T FORGET~*~*~*

WE ARE OPEN

THROUGH OCTOBER 29TH!

Well, today is the last day of summer. Tomorrow starts the autumnal equinox...fall! Did you know that on the first day of the autumnal equinox the day and night are each about 12 hours long (with the actual time of equal day and night, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring a few days after the autumnal equinox). The Sun crosses the celestial equator going southward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west. So, does anyone know when the days and nights in Kentucky are equal? I get so confused with all of this technical stuff. Lol I just know that the fall veggies are coming on strong so it must have something to do with the length of the days!

As long as I am filling you all in on some facts, how about a few more...

What gives leaves their red color? Glucose trapped in the leaves. Brown comes from the waste trapped there. The red and purple color come from anthocyanin pigments formed in the dying leaves. Its the same pigment which is common in purple grapes, red apples and violets.

Pumpkins are 90% water!

Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites!

Apples are a member of the rose family!

Fresh apples float because 25% of their volume is air!

Egg Yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain

vitamin D!

Lettuce is a member of the sunflower family!

Celery has negative calories...it takes more calories to eat celery than it originally

had to begin with!

Broccoli good news...we're eating 900% more than we did 20 years ago!

Don't you feel a wee bit smarter after reading these interesting facts? I know I did when I saw them!

Now for the best news...what's going to be available at the market this Saturday!

RICHMOND RD. MARKET

TOMATOES

heirlooms too!

GREEN BEANS

greasy

1/2 runner

blue lake

dade

northeastern

SQUASH

yellow

zucchini

patty pan

cushaw

butternut

hubbard

CUCUMBERS

pickling & slicers

OKRA

POTATOES

SWEET POTATOES

ONIONS

PEPPERS (HOT and MILD)

EGGPLANT

GARLIC

MUSHROOMS

WATERMELON (SEEDLESS ONES TOO)

PUMPKINS

RASPBERRIES

EGGS

HERB SEASONING

JAMS & FRUIT BUTTERS

FRESH CUT FLOWERS

CUT HERBS

MUMS

HERB PLANTS

BAKED GOODS

HOMEMADE SOAP

Hope everyone had a great time decorating their pumpkins last week!

MILL POND SHOPPING CENTER

Limited participation on Saturday and the Thursday market is closed for the season.

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out...very limited participation

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out...CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And, you voted us #1 in Kentucky!

~*~*~*DON'T FORGET~*~*~*

WE ARE OPEN

THROUGH OCTOBER 29TH!

Fall is darn near here and the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is going to celebrate the season change a wee bit early. In fact, it's this Saturday at the Richmond Rd. location. We're going to be celebrate a curcurbit variety...a little round, orange one to be exact. It's Pumpkin Day at the market! Kids of all ages get to decorate their very own pumpkin. We'll supply the markers, the stick-ons and the pumpkin...you supply the creativity! I can't wait to see what our kiddo customers come up with. :)

Just because fall is headed our way doesn't mean that the summer goodness has left the market. There's still plenty of fruits and veggies that we associate with the warm months, like tomatoes and melons.

Here's a bit of what you'll find at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market this Saturday...

RICHMOND RD. MARKET

~*~*~*~* PUMPKIN DAY ~*~*~*~*

THIS SATURDAY!

CORN

TOMATOES

heirlooms too!

GREEN BEANS

greasy

1/2 runner

blue lake

dade

northeastern

SQUASH

yellow

zucchini

patty pan

cushaw

butternut

hubbard

CUCUMBERS

pickling & slicers

OKRA

POTATOES

SWEET POTATOES

ONIONS

PEPPERS (HOT and MILD)

CABBAGE

EGGPLANT

CARROTS

GARLIC

SHALLOTS

MUSHROOMS

WATERMELON (SEEDLESS ONES TOO)

PUMPKINS

DECORATIVE CORN

APPLES

PEARS

PEACHES

RASPBERRIES

EGGS

BEEF

HERB SEASONING

JAMS & FRUIT BUTTERS

FRESH CUT FLOWERS

CUT HERBS (STEVIA, BASIL & MINT)

MUMS

HERB PLANTS

JAM CAKES

HOMEMADE SOAP

MILL POND SHOPPING CENTER

Sorry, no report this week. It will be a surprise for everyone!

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out...very limited farmer participation

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And, you voted us #1 in Kentucky!

Yup, I do believe that fall is on its way! This cool weather has been a welcome change from the high 90's we had last week. But, unfortunately it also means that some of the summer goodness is about to make its last showing at the market. The local peaches will be in short supply and the cantaloupes have all but disappeared. The good news is they are making room for the wonderful fall/winter squash and broccoli!

Once again, we have to thank all of our loyal customers for voting for the Bluegrass Farmers' Market in the America's Favorite Farmers Market contest. Just in case you hadn't heard...we were voted #1 in Kentucky for the second year in a row! We certainly do appreciate you continued support.

Now, on to the important stuff...what's gonna be at the market this week provided the rain didn't wipe the crops out!

RICHMOND RD. MARKET

CORN

TOMATOES (ALL VARIETIES INCLUDING HEIRLOOMS!)

GREEN BEANS

SQUASH

CUCUMBERS

OKRA

POTATOES

ONIONS

PEPPERS (HOT and MILD)

CABBAGE

EGGPLANT

CARROTS

GARLIC

SHALLOTS

MUSHROOMS

WATERMELON (SEEDLESS ONES TOO)

APPLES

RASPBERRIES

EGGS

HERB SEASONING

JAMS & FRUIT BUTTERS

FRESH CUT FLOWERS

CUT HERBS (STEVIA, BASIL & MINT)

JAM CAKES

FRIED FRUIT PIES

DONUTS

HOMEMADE SOAP

MILL POND SHOPPING CENTER

Sorry, no report this week. It will be a surprise for everyone!

~*~*~* Mark your calendars *~*~*~

Pumpkin Day

September 17^th

Kids of all ages get to decorate their very own pumpkin!

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out...very limited farmer participation

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And, you voted us #1 in Kentucky!

****************************

Before I close this edition of our weekly blog, I would like to add something.

This weekend is one of remembrance. Ten years ago, the people of the United States of America saw first hand what an attack on our soil can do to a nation. Instead of falling apart, we came together as one and supported those that needed us. I am choosing to celebrate the lives of those that were lost on September 11, 2001...may they never be forgotten.

Thank you loyal customers! You voted and we won! The Bluegrass Farmers' Market was voted #1 in Kentucky for the second year in a row!!!

You have no idea how much our farmers appreciate your confidence and support. Being a small, totally homegrown/produced farmers market is not easy. We don't have the variety of fruits and vegetables available year round like the big markets. But, that's because we only sell what we grow, raise, make or bake! It's really nice to know that you all appreciate our homegrown goodness.

Wow, I am soooooo excited so just bear with me if I go off track and grin for a second while I am typing this. :)

~*~*~* Mark your calendars *~*~*~

Pumpkin Day

September 17^th

Kids get to decorate their very own pumpkin!

This will be such a fun day for kids of all ages...

decorate a pumpkin and take it home to enjoy!

We'll supply everything except the imagination!

Okay, back to business as usual with a smile! :)

Folks have been asking how long the market continues.  For some reason it seems like people think that we close once school starts.  NOPE, we grow plenty of fall season goodness too!  In fact, pumpkins and Indian corn made their first showing this past Saturday.  The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is open through October 29th! :)

There is still plenty of summer goodness available this week...

 RICHMOND RD. MARKET

Many farmers will still have recipes available! :)

CORN

TOMATOES (ALL VARIETIES INCLUDING HEIRLOOMS!)

GREEN BEANS

COW PEAS

SQUASH

CUCUMBERS

OKRA

POTATOES

ONIONS

PEPPERS (HOT and MILD)

CABBAGE

EGGPLANT

CARROTS

GARLIC

SHALLOTS

MUSHROOMS

CANTALOUPES

WATERMELON (SEEDLESS ONES TOO)

PEACHES

APPLES

RASPBERRIES

EGGS

HERB SEASONING

JAMS & FRUIT BUTTERS

FRESH CUT FLOWERS

CUT HERBS (STEVIA, BASIL & MINT)

JAM CAKES

FRIED FRUIT PIES

DONUTS

MILL POND SHOPPING CENTER

Don't forget the Thursday market! :)

CORN

TOMATOES (HEIRLOOMS TOO!)

GREEN BEANS

ONIONS

PEPPERS

POTATOES

SQUASH

CUCUMBERS

WATERMELONS

CANTALOUPES

SQUASH

ZUCCHINI

EGGPLANT

CABBAGE

PEACHES

APPLES

AND, BOTH MARKETS ARE GUARANTEED TO HAVE SOME SURPRISES! :)

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Did you catch me smiling? :)

The cool weather is sneaking its way into Kentucky. I really don't mind except for the fact that it means those veggies that love the summer heat will start to dwindle. But, the cool air also means those great veggies that love the cool air will be abundant. It won't be long before I say goodbye to my beautiful basil while welcoming that crisp broccoli. I guess it's a win win situation and one that farmers and shoppers look forward to each year...season changing and the thought of different varieties at the market! I was reminded of this on Saturday...the first pumpkins made a showing!

But, not to worry...we still have plenty of summer goodness available at Lexington's largest 100% homegrown/produced farmers market! Yup, honest to gosh homegrown corn, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, squash, onions, garlic, eggplant, potatoes, raspberries and more will be available at the Richmond Rd. market today from 3 until 6:30!

We're asking for your support one last time...the voting for America's Favorite Farmers Market ends on August 31^st at midnight. That means you only have 2 more days to vote for the Bluegrass Farmers' Market. We were voted #1 in Kentucky last year and we're out in front this year...but only by a small margin. So we need your vote!

http://action.farmland.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Market_Vote&searchTerm=bluegrass+farmers+market&x=29&y=17

~*~ 2011 MARKET HOURS ~*~

Richmond Rd. Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Mill Pond Shopping Center Market

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Thursday 3 until 6:30 or sold out

We'll be set up in the shopping center with plenty of free parking. Look for us near the corner of Boston Rd. and Man 'O War Blvd.

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

~*~*~*~*~*~*