Bluegrass Farmers Market

I thought long and hard about what to write this week and I have to admit that my brain wandered into some very nice places. I found myself smiling, almost grinning, quite a bit. The reason was mostly the farmers who make up the Bluegrass Farmers' Market. I walk through the market each week and ask each and every farmer if they will be at the next market, what they will be bringing and do they have anything new, so that I can pass it on to our customers in this blog. It's pretty much routine stuff and when you are a 100% homegrown market, the offerings don't really change much because we all live in Kentucky and we all grow basically the same thing...or so I thought! Boy oh boy, was I pleasantly surprised this past Saturday!!!

As I continue to smile while I am typing this, I look back at the various tables loaded with farm fresh goodness and the faces on the folks who grew that stuff. Yes, the faces looked a bit tired...but, heck most had been up before dawn harvesting or else they were picking in the dark the night before...they had every right to be tired! That's what it takes to be a 100% homegrown/produced farmers market...hard work, long hours and the ability to still smile on market day! :)

The next thought that made me smile from ear to ear was the fact that I saw more than the usual corn, tomatoes, green beans, peppers, squash, zucchini, etc. You know what I am talking about...the same old stuff no matter how great it tastes, it gets boring. We all need a change in our diet and I'll be darned if our farmers didn't bring it to the market this Saturday! WOW, greasy beans, edamame, leeks, shallots...to name just a few things. I was just really appreciative of our farmers who went above and beyond to grow something a wee bit different for our small market. I know that you'd expect to find things like this at large city markets...we're a small, young market with farmers who rely on their crops to survive and yet they took chances on something new. I mean, how great is that!!! I hope you understand my grins by now. :)

But, I am not going to stop there because the smiles and the pride in belonging to such a great farmers market gets even better. I'm sure every state holds a state fair. But, if you have never participated in one, you'll never know just how competitive they can be. As a plain old fair visitor, I just walk through the agricultural aisles with my jaw darn near on the floor. I wonder...how the heck did they grow that perfectly straight green bean. Wow, what a perfectly round and red tomato. Geez look at that adorable white pumpkin. And wish I could dip my finger into the golden honey! I know that if you have ever been to a state fair, you know exactly what I am talking about. There are all sorts of ribbons next to the winners...by the way, I consider everyone who makes it to the state fair a winner, but only a few make it to the top! So, I am sticking my chest out for the Bluegrass Farmers' Market and reporting that we had two big winners at the Kentucky State Fair this year!

Drum roll.....

HONEY DEW APIARY and owner, Keith Green was the Sweepstake winner in the Honey category...he won it all! Congratulations Keith! :)

OVERMAN'S BLUEGRASS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES won the Grand Champion White Halloween Pumpkin award along with many others. Cute/funny story that our farmers enjoyed...Kirby (husband) is the one we see selling at the market. Babette (wife) is the one who stays home and takes care of the farm stuff. To be fair...they both work the farm. When it came time to deliver the entries for the state fair, they arrived with a truck full of great stuff. Kirby took care of his entries and Babette took care of hers. There was still a few pumpkins left and being the gentleman (and hubby) that he is, Kirby let Babette pick first...she choose the winner! We all had a good laugh and chances are, Kirby will be hearing about his “loss” for quite some time.

That's what I mean when I talk about the smiles that the farmers at this market bring to my face. They are real folks, they work hard, they farm, they grow, they raise, they bake, they blend and they are constantly trying something new to make the Bluegrass Farmers' Market a great place to shop.

Thank you farmers and friends for my smiles...it keeps me wanting to be part of such a great community organization.

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~*~ 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!

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

IT'S TIME TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

Only a few more weeks to vote...we need your help!!!!

We were voted #1 in the state of Kentucky last year thanks to you, our loyal customers! We hope we can do it again in 2011...we need your vote! Just click on the Bluegrass Farmers' Market link and cast your vote...tell your friends and family too!

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

We're celebrating our favorite folks...our customers! That's right, Saturday is Customer Appreciation Day at both market locations!!! We'll be showing our appreciation by giving away market tote bags at the Richmond Rd. and at the Mill Pond Center markets. These are great totes and they're even Wildcat blue...or should I say Bluegrass Farmers' Market blue! Lol Either way, they are well made, roomy and very sturdy, so shop early to make sure that you get one.

So, what else will you find at our markets this Saturday?

RICHMOND RD. MARKET

CORN

TOMATOES

GREEN BEANS

SQUASH

POTATOES

GARLIC

ONIONS

SHALLOTS

CUCUMBERS

ZUCCHINI

BEETS

CARROTS

KALE

CABBAGE

PEPPERS

BLACKBERRIES

BLUBERRIES

CANTALOUPES

WATERMELONS

EGGS

BEEF

HONEY

HERB SEASONING

BAKED GOODS

JAMS & JELLIES

FRESH CUT FLOWERS

PLANTS & HERB PLANTERS

HOMEMADE SOAPS

AND MUCH MORE!

Plus...

DOOR PRIZES

GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM ALFALFA RESTAURANT

MARKET TOTES

SMILING FACES GALORE!!!

MILL POND CENTER MARKET...

now open on Thursday too!

I did not receive a market report but I will almost guarantee that you'll find...

CORN

TOMATOES

SQUASH

GREEN BEANS

CUCUMBERS

POTATOES

AND MUCH MORE SUMMER GOODNESS!

Plus...

MARKET TOTES!!!

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

I have to share a little story with you all. I received a phone call earlier this week from a farmer who was interested in selling his produce at a farmers market in Lexington. His first question almost set me back a bit, but I did not hesitate as I answered it...honestly! He asked me why I sold my goods at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market and not at the other market. I first explained that Lexington had more than two market associations selling at various locations throughout the area. I was not familiar with the two newest markets so I couldn't comment on those. I was very familiar with the largest market in Lexington, The Lexington Farmers Market, and I went on to explain that I had sold there for almost 11 years. The difference between them and the one that I now belong to, The Bluegrass Farmers' Market, is that this market is 100% homegrown or produced and they guarantee it! I am serious...they inspect all farms before allowing anyone to join. They make sure that each member is GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) trained and each member has to be a certified Kentucky Proud member. In other words, they are truly what I would call a farmers market. I had just started to spout the good things about the other market when he interrupted me and said he had heard enough to warrant filling out an application for our market. :) It always makes me feel good when I know that I made the right decision in moving to a smaller but 100% homegrown market! But, please do not get me wrong...the other market has plenty to offer too! I just prefer knowing that I am buying from the folks who actually grew, raised, baked or produced what they were selling.

Not sure why I had to share that experience except that I guess I appreciate the Bluegrass Farmers' Market and its dedication to really local products as much as I appreciate the folks who understand that and after all...it is

Customer Appreciation Day!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~ 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 only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified

Kentucky Proud

and GAP trained...

that means we know

Good Agricultural Practices!

IT'S TIME TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

We were voted #1 in the state of Kentucky last year thanks to you, our loyal customers! We hope we can do it again in 2011...we need your vote! Just click on the Bluegrass Farmers' Market link and cast your vote...tell your friends and family too!

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

Yup, that's right...the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is now open on Tuesday too! Hopefully Mother Nature will be a bit kinder than she was last Saturday. Our loyal farmers showed up in the pouring rain and so did our great customers. Thank you so much for your continued support even though many of you had to walk through “Lake Bluegrass” to reach us! If it ever happens again we can promise that there will be market ducks swimming in the lake just so we can all smile a little bit.

Okay, now for what you'll be able to find at the opening of the Tuesday market, it's going to be a plant lovers dream come true!

Tomato guy, Roger will be there was an assortment of heirloom tomato plants, Alpine strawberry plants, pepper plants and even some herb plants!

Ed, the banana tree fellow, will be bringing quite a mix of plants including...daylilies, hot pepper, canning tomato, various veggies, tropicals including giant elephant ears and of course...a few banana trees!

Our newest market member, Jonathon, is coming all the way from Maysville loaded down with hanging flower baskets, bedding plants, ferns, Wave petunias, mixed planters and tomato plants in containers and even hanging baskets for those of you who don't have a yard to plant in!

Like I said...it's gonna be the place for plant lovers to be on Tuesday! The great part is, they are all locally grown by our members so you can ask all sorts of questions about the planting and care of your purchase. They grew them so they know their plants!!!

Hope to see everyone at the opening of our Tuesday market! The hours are 3:00 until 6:30 and as always we will be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet next to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Road just outside Man O War! Parking is always free and very convenient!

I was sitting here this morning trying to think of a way to let folks know just how wonderful the Bluegrass Farmers' Market really is and I decided that I'd probably just tell you what went home with me at the end of Saturday's market. I can tell you, it was quite a haul of fresh veggies and berries!

We enjoyed the most delicious fresh corn on the cob last night along with our wonderful ASH free beef burgers that were topped with fabulous tomatoes! Our plates looked more like serving platters by the time we added the crisp sliced cucumber and onion salad along with the extra heirloom tomatoes that we just had to try. By the way, the German Stripey's and Japanese something...sorry, I cannot remember the name of them...tomatoes were great! Heck, I'm not done yet. My hubby roasted some fingerling potatoes on the grill and Oh My Gosh, we're they ever good! He rubbed them with a bit of bacon drippings and then sprinkled them with coarse sea salt. Talk about heaven! You'd have thought that we would have been stuffed by the end of the meal but we managed to save room for a slice of fantastic jam cake that was drizzled with a decadent raspberry sauce that I made with those wonderful berries and local honey! I have to admit that the two of us could hardly move after dinner but, the funny part was, we were both thinking about the next meal! Lol Yup, there's still some wonderful greens beans, eggplant, zucchini and squash waiting for our next meal.

Geez, forgot to let you know that we started the day out with a huge breakfast of farm fresh eggs, fried taters, sliced tomatoes and homebaked bread loaded with homemade jam! Makes me wonder how we even managed to do anything yesterday. But we did get a bunch of green peppers chopped and frozen for use in chili this winter. We even froze some wonderful hot peppers so hubby could spice his up a bit more!

About the only thing I didn't come home with were flowers and plants. Believe me it wasn't because they weren't beautiful...it was because I didn't have anymore room in the van! I promised myself that I would save some space next week.

I have to tell you that it really makes you feel great to know that you can prepare and enjoy meals using nothing but locally grown goodies! And, the fresh flavor can't be beat. I'm already thinking about my farmers market list for this week!

Come join us at Lexington's only 100% homegrown or produced farmers market. You'll be greeted by hardworking farmers who can still manage to smile after harvesting that day and you'll leave with a bounty of fresh, homegrown goodness! It don't get no better than that!!!

Tuesday's market hours are 3 until 6:30 at our beautiful tree lined location at 3450 Richmond Rd. in the parking lot of Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet. It's right next to the Glenn Auto Mall just outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Don't forget about our new Thursday market at the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike. Our farmers are there from 4 until 6! Stay tuned for the Saturday market offerings!

Hope to see you all at one of our market days...you'll be glad you came to visit us!

Lexington's only 100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

All of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

We grow, raise, bake, blend and make...so that you can enjoy truly local goods!

Can't wait until Saturday for some fresh veggies and other market goodies? Well then, our Tuesday market is the perfect answer!

Our farmers will be harvesting their farm fresh cucumbers, onions, squash, green beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, potatoes and much more to bring to the Tuesday Bluegrass Farmers' Market this week.

Plus, don't forget some beautiful flowers to adorn your table! Who can resist the bright colors of zinnias!

Our 100% homegrown/produced farmers market is really growing as the season progresses!

Hope to see you on Tuesday at 3450 Richmond Rd. We're in the tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall. And, we'll be there from 3 until 6:30!

BREAKING NEWS!!! You can now find a few of our farmers each Thursday at the Lexington Health Department on Newtown Pike from 4 until 6!

Don't forget to cast your vote for Lexington's only 100% homegrown or produced market...we are truly a farmers market!!! http://www.care2.com/farmersmarket/29529/

100% HOMEGROWN or PRODUCED

GUARANTEED!

100% CERTIFIED KENTUCKY PROUD

Farmers and market are two words that just go together. Those two simple words let you know that farmers have been hard at work to provide freshly harvested items to sell at a market. We're lucky enough to have Lexington's only 100% homegrown or produced market! That means that those two words stand true...the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is just that, a market made up of farmers! And, we're darn proud of the fact then when a customer comes to our market, we know they'll be taking home only items that our farmers have grown, baked, created or made. No reselling allowed at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market so you can be assured that you are truly supporting a farmer when you shop with us!

Now, the best part of a true farmers market is the anticipation of seeing those red ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, crisp green beans, crunchy cucumbers, freshly dug potatoes and just picked squash arrive at the market. Guess what? They're here!!! Yup, you'll be able to find both red and green tomatoes, candy onions, sweet bi-color corn, tenderette, half runner and roma beans. Don't forget the not your average potatoes like Red Norland, Wisconsin Superior, Kennebec, Yukon Gold and even some wonderful red new potatoes! If it's squash that you are looking for, have we ever got it! Look for varieties like Cousa, Zephyr, Patty Pan and Magda along with tender zucchini.

Geez, I feel like I could go on and on telling you about all of the wonderful items available this week...so I guess I'll just do that! Peppers of all sorts, big bell peppers perfect for stuffing, hot Hungarian, Jalapenos, wax peppers, Cayenne, sweet Banana and even some Serrano chiles! If you're looking for crisp cucumbers for that salad we'll have them too and even pickling ones for those of you who want to create in your own kitchen. Blueberries, blackberries, okra, shallots, fresh garlic, cut herbs, cabbage, green onions, kale and Swiss chard are just a few more of the wonderful offerings that our farmers will be bringing to the market this Saturday.

Don't forget the other things that our farmers grow...flowers and herbs! Look for beautiful floral and herb hanging baskets, potted flowers and herbs, colorful lilies and even some tropicals like banana trees! Want something bright inside your home than look for fresh cut flowers like Lisianthus, Zinnia and sunflowers!

Then we have our creative farmers who find the time to spend in the kitchen! Jams and jellies galore! Enjoy grape, blackberry, blueberry, mixed berry, award winning strawberry and even some hot pepper jelly and apple butter! Our farmers are bakers too! Jam cakes, pumpkin cookies, chocolate zucchini loaf, pumpkin pecan and zucchini pecan breads too! Season the available ASH free beef with some hand blended herb seasoning. And, don't forget the Amish cheese, honey and farm fresh eggs!

Whew, another long list of goodies that will be available this Saturday at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market! Come visit our smiling farmers at 3450 Richmond Rd. We're located in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall. We'll be there from 9 until 2 and please, bring the children and your four-footed friends...we're stroller friendly! Parking is right at the market so it makes it very wheelchair friendly too.

Last, but certainly not the least...we need your help! Our gracious hosts for this blog, Local Harvest, and Care2 are having a contest where folks can vote for their favorite farmers market. We hope that you think the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is the very best and would appreciate your vote. We can win some $$$ and you might even win a market tote by casting your vote. We could all be winners with your help! http://www.care2.com/farmersmarket/29529/

100% HOMEGROWN/PRODUCED

GUARANTEED!!!

CERTIFIED 100% KENTUCKY PROUD