Bluegrass Farmers Market

Geez, I hate to start out by saying that it might rain...again! So, I'll start by saying thank you so much to the folks who braved the rainy cold day last Saturday to visit the Bluegrass Farmers' Market. You have no idea how much it meant to us to see how much you support us. Unfortunately the weather folks are saying that it will probably rain again this Saturday. But, it will be warmer! And, the Bluegrass Lake ducks will be in attendance!

I'm gonna do my best to list what should be at the market on Saturday. I say that because the farmers just don't know what the weather will bring their way. So, here goes...

ASPARAGUS

STRAWBERRIES

GREEN TOMATOES

GREEN BEANS

CUCUMBERS

POTATOES

ONIONS

BOK CHOY

RHUBARB

LETTUCE MIX

ROMAINE LETTUCE

ZUCCHINI

EGGS

HERB SEASONING

HONEY

FRUIT JAMS

HOMEMADE SOAPS

CUT FLOWERS

BEDDING PLANTS

HERB PLANTS

HEIRLOOM TOMATO PLANTS

ETC., ETC., ETC.!

There is a chance of some rain but please, do not let that stop you from visiting the market. We try to make the best of a rainy day and folks can autograph their very own “Bluegrass Lake” duck if a lake happens to appear in the parking lot! Lol I'm serious...the kids (of all ages) love it. Hey, make the best of a bad situation!

So, come join us for week three of

Lexington's largest homegrown/produced

farmers market!

~*~ 2012 MARKET HOURS ~*~

3450 Richmond Rd.

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6 or sold out OPENING SOON

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!

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

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And

GAP Certified

Opening day for the 2012 season of the Bluegrass Farmers' Market was wonderful, amazing, awesome and spectacular! To put it all into one word... it was “wondamazawtacular!” I believe that is how I am going to describe the BGM from now on. :)

Our faithful customers visited us steadily all day long. They were sooooo glad to see our farmers back in their usual spaces. And, believe me, we were glad to see their smiling faces. Farmers really do love getting their hands dirty but it's the smile on the faces of the recipients of their labor that warms their hearts. We all thank you for your loyal support, it's what keeps us going!

I have to admit that I was very surprised to see local homegrown strawberries and zucchini on opening day...yup, they were there and they both sold out early! Look for more this Saturday. :)

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

STRAWBERRIES

ASPARAGUS

GREEN BEANS

SPRING LETTUCE MIX

KALE

SWISS CHARD

BOK CHOY

NAPPA CABBAGE

ROMAINE LETTUCE

ONIONS

SWEET TATERS

EGGS

FRUIT JAMS

HERB SEASONING

CUT FLOWERS

BEDDING PLANTS

HANGING PLANTERS

VEGGIE PLANTS

HERB PLANTS

HOMEMADE SOAP

HONEY

AND, SO MUCH MORE!

There is a chance of some rain but please, do not let that stop you from visiting the market. We try to make the best of a rainy day and folks can autograph their very own “Lake Bluegrass” duck if a lake happens to appear in the parking lot! Lol I'm serious...the kids (of all ages) love it. Hey, make the best of a bad situation!

So, come join us for week two of

Lexington's largest homegrown/produced

farmers market!

~*~ 2012 MARKET HOURS ~*~

3450 Richmond Rd.

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6 or sold out OPENING SOON

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!

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

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And

GAP Certified

WOW, what a great opening day! :) Our customers were thrilled to see us back and the farmers were happy to be able to bring their farm fresh items to the market! It rained a bit, but not enough to dampen the spirit of shoppers or farmers. Thank you all for making us feel so welcome in your neighborhood.

We had strawberries, eggs, zucchini, lettuce, bok choy, nappa cabbage, kale, swiss chard, rhubarb, asparagus, onions, potatoes, baked goods, pepper jams, fruit jams, herb seasoning, dried beans, homemade soaps, bedding plants, herb plants, veggies plants and so much more! And, next week seems like we'll have even more!

What a great start to our 2012 market season...we're excited about our “new to the Richmond Rd. location” farmers. It was unfortunate that the MillPond Center market could not continue due to a little problem with a certain grocery store chain not wanting competition. Oh well, that just means that our main location on Richmond Rd. will be much bigger and have more offerings with our “transplanted” farmers joining us! :)

Stay tuned for an update on what will be available this week...it's gonna be great!!!

The countdown is about to come to an end and the Bluegrass Farmers' Market will officially open the 2012 market season on Saturday!

Here's a just a few of the items that I know will be available...

EGGS

BOK CHOY

SALAD MIX

SWISS CHARD

KALE

SMILING FACES :)

SPINACH

ONIONS

HONEY

BAKED GOODS

PEPPER JAMS

FRUIT JAMS

HERB SEASONING

SMILING FACES :)

HOMEMADE SOAPS

SWEET POTATOES

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

BUTTER CRUNCH LETTUCE

AND SO MUCH MORE...SMILING FACES TOO! :)

~*~ 2012 MARKET HOURS ~*~

3450 Richmond Rd.

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6 or sold out OPENING SOON

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!

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

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And

GAP Certified

Yippee!!! It's finally here...the opening day of the 2012 season! That's right, we open this Saturday at 9am! Okay, can you tell I am excited? lol

I have spoken to a few of the farmers and it appears that this warm spell has been both a blessing and a real pain in the you know what. Some plants bloomed way too early and therefore are spent before the market opens. That would be the case of our lilacs...they were beautiful two weeks ago. Sorry we can't bring them to the market, but smile knowing that we enjoyed the lovely color and the fragrant scent.

On the good side, many of the plants are enjoying the warmth and sunshine and so are the laying hens! Yup, eggs will be plentiful on Saturday. I can't wait to get some farm fresh eggs, the grocery store eggs have seen the last of me for the season. A few more “gotta haves” include pepper jam, fruit jams and honey. And, I can guarantee that we'll have a beautiful butter crunch lettuce salad on Saturday night. Herb seasoning and homemade soap will round out my shopping day! :)

It's gonna be a great opening day, so come by and join us while we celebrate our opening day!

~*~ 2012 MARKET HOURS ~*~

3450 Richmond Rd.

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6 or sold out OPENING SOON

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!

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

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

is Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each farmer is certified...

KENTUCKY PROUD!

And

GAP Certified

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

We Accept

EBT/DEBIT

WIC & FMNP Cards!

See ya on Saturday!

We only have 17 days and one wake up before the market opens for its 2012 season!

17 days seemed very close when I was outside hanging my laundry on the line when I noticed “snow” falling all over my sheets. Of course it was the best sign of spring that we have on our farm...the budding Bradford Pear trees! I halfway smiled at the sight. I love it when spring “springs” and I see all of the new growth but I hate it when those buds stick to my sheets!

But, the market opening day is only 17 days away...well and one wake up day. :)

Okay, enough of my enjoying the beautiful weather. How about a Bluegrass Farmers' Market update! I have been informed by our fearless leader, Roger Postley, that we can expect a better than ever before farmer count on opening day! You know I will report back as to what you can expect to find but just the thought of more farmers on opening day is exciting. It's hard when you are a 100% homegrown/produced market to have a great showing in April...there are only so many things one can grow in Kentucky in the spring. Please, do not look for homegrown corn...it is way to early for honest to gosh homegrown Kentucky corn! But, I know that we'll have plenty of spring produce available.

So, mark your calendars...we open on April 14^th!

~*~ 2012 MARKET HOURS ~*~

April 14 – October 27

3450 Richmond Rd.

Saturday 9 until 2 or until sold out

Tuesday 3 until 6:00...not open yet!

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!

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!

If you would like to learn more about the Bluegrass Farmers' Market or just how a CSA works, head over to Transylvania University tomorrow! They are having their first ever CSA Fair and it should be a great place to learn a bit more about local foods. :)

Check out all of the information at their website.

http://www.transy.edu/news/arch_story.htm?id=718

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.

 

Wishing you all a very

Happy Thanksgiving

from our farms to your homes!

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!