Bluegrass Farmers Market

How about a little update on the

Bluegrass Farmers' Market!

The good news...

It seems like all of our members will be returning for the 2011 season!

The really good news...

A few possible new members showed up at the annual meeting!

The great news...

Opening day sounds like we'll have plenty of fresh, homegrown veggies available!

The really great news...

The 2011 Bluegrass Farmers' Market season opens on April 16^th!!!

The “this might interest you” news...

We are still accepting applications for new members! If you grow, raise, produce or bake something that you would like to sell at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market, you can send an email to fromourfarms@aol.com and request information. Or, you can contact Kirby at (859) 792-8237. Please remember that the Bluegrass Farmers' Market only allows 100% homegrown or produced items...NO resellers allowed!

Our annual meeting has been scheduled for January 28, 2011 at 11:00am.   It will be held in the Journey Baptist Church which is located in the area of the market lot at 3450 Richmond Rd.  If you are considering joining the Bluegrass Farmers' Market this year and have never been to our market, the location is in the parking lot of Fast Sisgns and Pedal the Planet, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall.

Newcomers are more than welcome but remember that the Bluegrass Farmers' Market only allows 100% homegrown growers and producers.  We do not allow any reselling!

Returning farmers...please mark you calendar and plan on attending because your input is important!

BLUEGRASS FARMERS ' MARKET ANNUAL MEETING

Friday, January 28, 2011

11:00am

Journey Baptist Chruch (located at the market lot)

What a super Saturday market! It was so nice to see so many friendly faces on our last day of the 2010 season. And, it was so nice to hear all of the wonderful comments about our market. It just makes us feel even more proud of the Bluegrass Farmers' Market!

The farmers asked that I pass on their thanks for all of your support this year. We had a great time meeting new friends and sharing our bounty with you.

There was an air of excitement as the farmers wound down the day and started to pack up. It wasn't just saying goodbye to each other, it was more like “what can we do next year!” I love it...it's only November and we're already trying to find ways to make the 2011 season bigger, better and even more fun! We want to be #1 in Kentucky again and we know that we have to do more next year cause the “big guys” will be watching us! Lol

So, please let us know what you'd like to see at the market. Maybe it's a different vegetable or fruit. Maybe some different baked goods. Possibly some other value added items. Now is the time to holler at us so that we can plan for next year. Our farmers will probably spend a week catching their breath and then start hitting the seed catalogs!

If anyone needs to contact one of our farmers, don't hesitate to leave a comment and I will make sure they get it. John tells me that he will have his farm fresh eggs available all winter. The folks at Herb'n Renewal always have their herb seasoning. And, I can almost guarantee that if you need a jam or baked good fix that our farmers can handle it! Just let us know.

Thank you again for a wonderful 2010 market season...we couldn't have done it without your continued support!

Yup, Saturday is our last market day for 2010. It's a bittersweet time for our farmers. On the good side, we don't have to wake up at 3am and head to the market...sleeping till 6 will sure feel good! But, on the other hand, we will miss all of the friends we've made over the season. Knowing that it will be almost six months before we get to see the friendly faces again is not easy. But, we will be back in mid April of 2011! And, we sure do thank each and everyone of you for making our 2010 season so successful. Our market grew in leaps and bounds and you voted us the number one farmers market in Kentucky!!! We can only get better next year. In fact, we've had some new farmers asking to join our group and we're excited at the prospect of bringing some new and exciting items to the market next year. Don't think our “old” farmers aren't thinking about ways to bring more to the market...I've heard all sorts of new items that will make an appearance next season and I am thrilled!

Okay, now on to what will be available at our last market day...

Tomatoes

Peppers

Squash

Greens

Potatoes

Sweet potatoes

Eggplant

Pumpkins

Herb seasoning

Jams & jellies

Baked goods

Eggs

Honey

Raspberries

Gourds

And, so much more!

Come join us for our final market day...we want to thank you in person for making our 2010 season so successful!

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market...3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall. FREE and convenient parking!

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!

You voted us #1 in Kentucky!!!!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market

blog will continue with a monthly

 update over the winter months!

We want to keep you informed

about what is happening and

 maybe even share a few recipes

or two.

Yes, this is the last Tuesday market for the 2010 season. It's been a great season for our Tuesday farmers thanks to all of the customers who stop by and support them. They'll be bringing their usual 100% homegrown goodness to the market tomorrow!

Look for...

Tomatoes

Peppers

Winter Squash

Greens

Potatoes

Eggplant

Pumpkins

Jams & jellies

Raspberries

Ornamental cabbage plants

And, so much more!

Come join us for our last Tuesday market for the 2010 season!

Where...3450 Richmond Rd. in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs

When...Tuesday from 3:00 until 6:30

Why...Because we are Kentucky's #1 farmers market!!!

Yes, it is almost November but our farmers are still bringing summer goodness to the Bluegrass Farmers' Market! Tomatoes, squash, peppers and even watermelon!!! Heck, we even have raspberries to go along with the fall apples and pears!

Fall crops are well represented too! Look for greens, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash and pumpkins! Of course, you'll be able to find year round goodies like jams, jellies, fruit and pepper butters, soup bean mixes, baked goods, herb seasoning, homemade soap and eggs too! If you're decorating for the fall holidays...you'll find gourds, Indian corn, decorative pumpkins and ornamental cabbage plants!

Just in case you noticed my use of “!” many times today, it's because I am amazed at what our 100% homegrown/produced farmers are bringing to the market! I wish you could see the huge smile on my face. :)

Please make a note that we have only two more weeks left in our 2010 market season...our last market day is October 30^th. So, please come and enjoy our bounty while you can...we'll even have some hot spiced tea for you to sip while shopping.

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market...3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall. FREE and convenient parking!

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!

You voted us #1 in Kentucky!!!!

Everyone knows that goodies purchased at a local farmers market always taste better...it has to, it's fresh! I have to admit that I was blown away this week by the eggs, even though I know farm fresh eggs from happy hens are always better than store bought. I purchased a dozen of the jumbo eggs and they were huge!!! I'm normally a “two egger” person but not with these eggs...one was more than enough for me. And, they were only $4 a dozen!!!! My thanks to John, our “egg man” for my spectacular breakfast.

I'm also amazed at the amount of garden fresh tomatoes still available considering some of our farmers got hit by frost. Another amazing feature for me was the flavor of the sweet potatoes...they just cannot compare with those that you buy in a grocery store. Think freshly dug vs. sitting in storage for who knows how long! In fact, the folks at Herb'n Renewal were so impressed that they decided to cook up some of Drew's special Jamm'n Sweet Tater soup to sample this Saturday!

While you are sampling, make sure you stop by McMaine's Riverhaven Farm booth and have a taste of the wonderful jams...both spicy and sweet! I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to spicy foods but their pepper jam is to die for!

So, what else will you find at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market this Saturday? How about greens, potatoes, green beans, all sorts of winter squash, okra, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, raspberries, jams, jellies, baked goods, honey, gourds, pumpkins, herb seasoning, Indian corn, fall decorations and so much more!

ONLY 3 MORE WEEKS LEFT IN THE

2010 MARKET SEASON!

October 30^th will be our last selling day for the year

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market...3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall. FREE and convenient parking!

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!

You voted us #1 in Kentucky!!!!

It's going to be a busy weekend in Lexington! The last two days of the World Equestrian Games, racing at Keeneland and football with the U.K. Wildcats! That's a bunch of fun stuff going on but we hope you take time out of the busy weekend to visit the Bluegrass Farmers' Market.

We've been busy too! Growing, harvesting, baking, canning, blending and creating all that honest to gosh homegrown goodness to bring to the market on Saturday. Heck, the folks from Herb'n Renewal will even be handing out samples of a tailgate favorite...chili!

Here's a bit of what you'll find this Saturday...

Tomatoes

Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Summer & Winter Squash

Eggplant

Okra

Banana Peppers

Green Peppers

Various Hot Peppers

Kale

Green Beans

Zucchini

Apples

Pears

Raspberries

Jams & Jellies

Baked Goods

Cut Flowers

Cut Herbs

Catnip

Herb Seasoning

Mulling Spices

Mums

Gourds

Eggs

Honey

Beef..but the “beef gal” will be a bit late arriving!

And, so much more!

Plenty of FREE and convenient parking available

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market...3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall.

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!

We are #1 in Kentucky!!!!

Fall has sure come to the Bluegrass Farmers' Market! Our farmers are bringing loads of fall/winter squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, lettuce, apples, pears, mums, corn shocks, decorative corn, gourds and plenty of fresh greens!

The great part is, we still have plenty of the things that we think of as summer produce left too! Tomatoes, green peppers, banana peppers, hot& spicy peppers, eggplant, okra, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, basil and raspberries are plentiful!

If that hasn't tempted you enough, how about the wonderful jams and jellies! Fantastic home baked goods like breads, cookies and cakes! Herb seasoning that is sure to make even the most novice cook a hero with friends and family!

And, they all come with friendly, smiling faces that belong to our growers and producers! The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is very particular about who sells at our market. Each member must be certified Kentucky Proud! Every member must attend a GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) training session in order to make sure that we can provide only the very best and safest to our customers! Every farm is inspected to make sure that our customers are buying items that our farmer members either grew, raised, baked or made themselves! We guarantee 100% locally grown or produced and nothing is ever purchased for resale! That means when you shop at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market, you are truly supporting a local farm family...it just doesn't get any better than that!

Add FREE and convenient parking, stroller and wheelchair friendly shopping, pets are always welcome to the homegrown goodness and you have the #1 farmers market n Kentucky! Thats right, our customers voted us #1 in the entire state...no matter how big the market was. Guess that means bigger is not always better!

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market...3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall.

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest

100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!

We are #1 in Kentucky!!!!

Yes, it is an exciting time for Lexington! The World Equestrian Games start on Saturday and while it is an honor for Lexington to be the host, if you are anything like me...you're going to avoid downtown until the games are over! I can't even imagine what the traffic will be like, I'm not a great lover of crowds and I sure don't want to have to try and find a parking space and then have to pay the high fees! So, until the festivity leaves, I am staying on the outskirts of town!

So, if you are anything like me, you can still get those fabulous farmers market finds at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market! And, you won't have to worry about traffic, parking is free and convenient and you'll find nothing but homegrown goodness!

Here's a bit of what you'll be able to find at the market this Saturday...

Tomatoes

Potatoes

Sweet Taters

Cucumbers

Squash

Zucchini

Pumpkins

Green Beans

Kale

Collards

Okra

Peppers...hot and sweet!

Raspberries

Melons

Jams & Jellies

Baked Goods

Herb Seasoning

Honey

Eggs

Corn Shocks

Gourds

Indian Corn

Mums

Cut Flowers

And, so much more!

Don't forget, you voted us the #1 farmers market in Kentucky for a reason...we are full of homegrown/produced goodness!

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

Free and convenient parking and we are wheelchair and stroller friendly!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market...3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall.

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Our farmers are also trained and certified in the GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) program! And, we are all Kentucky Proud certified!

It's just another way that we show you how much we care about what we do!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest 100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!

We are #1 in Kentucky!!!!

That's Super Shrimp Saturday at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market! Yup, you'll be able to find local farm raised freshwater prawns or as we call them...shrimp, at the market this Saturday only. The graduate students from the Kentucky State University Aquaculture program will be at the market selling their shrimp that was raised in Frankfort. They'll have all sorts of information about preparing them, cleaning them and freezing them. And, the really great part is all of the proceeds from the sale will go back to the students for continued research! These are fresh shrimp, never frozen...so bring a cooler and ice!

Of course folks can't live on shrimp alone so bring your market tote too! We'll have plenty of farm fresh, 100% homegrown fruits and veggies available. Look for...

Green Beans

Tomatoes

Peppers...hot and sweet

Potatoes

Sweet Taters

Cucumbers

Squash...winter and summer

Zucchini

Pumpkins

Okra

Greens

Eggplant

Apples

Pears

Cantaloupes

Raspberries

Watermelon

Jams & Jellies

Honey

Herb Seasoning

Eggs

Cut Flowers

Mums

Herb Plants

Jam Cakes

Baked Goods

Corn Shocks

Indian Corn

Gourds

Soap & Bath Salts

Samples!!!!

And, so much more!

Don't forget our Thursday market at the Fayette County Health Department!!!

Hope to see you all at Kentucky's #1 farmers market!

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

Free and convenient parking and no construction or road closures to worry about! We're a farmers market shoppers delight!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Thursday 3-6

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market is at 3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall.

Parking is always FREE and we are stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Thursday market is at the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Our farmers are also trained and certified in the GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) program!

It's just another way that we show you how much we care about what we do!

We are Lexington's largest 100%

homegrown/produced

farmers market!

Yup, fall is in the air! At least as far as the pumpkins, corn shocks and Indian corn are concerned the Bluegrass Farmers' Market had plenty of fall offerings this past Saturday and the great news is, they will continue through our last market day on October 30^th!

It's always a pleasure to see our customers who have a hard time navigating on anything but a smooth surface. Their smiling faces are worth being a wee bit off of the beaten path and out of the way of the downtown traffic. We're just glad that we are fortunate enough to have a space to set up that is convenient, customer friendly and with plenty of free parking! I believe that a front porch is about to be decorated for fall! :)

But, guess what?  We still have plenty of the summer goodies fresh from our farms!  The Tuesday market will be loaded with green beans, cucumbers, squash, potatoes, onions, lettuce, greens, raspberries, baked goods, jams & jellies and a summer favorite...tomatoes!!

Don't forget, you voted us the #1 farmers market in Kentucky for a reason...we are full of homegrown/produced goodness!

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

Free and convenient parking and we are wheelchair and stroller friendly!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Thursday 3-6

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market...3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall.

Thursday market...Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Our farmers are also trained and certified in the GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) program!

It's just another way that we show you how much we care about what we do!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest 100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!

We are #1 in Kentucky!!!!

What crazy weather we are experiencing here in Kentucky! But, then again, I am reminded that I was told this was the norm when I first moved here 30 + years ago. lol It seems like 90 degree days followed by 40 degree nights is not unusual for this time of the year. We actually got to enjoy some fresh air with the windows opened for a few days and then the heat and humidity set in and we were forced to close them and turn on the AC again. This weather makes for some great offerings at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market. You'll be able to find both summer and fall crops available! So, open your windows tonight, close them on the Friday, load up your market tote bag and come shopping with us on Saturday! You might have to bring an umbrella but we'll still be set up and ready with our homegrown goodness!

Before I tell you about all of the goodies that will be available at Kentucky's #1 farmers market this week, I want to let you all know about an exciting event coming up on the 18^th of September. The Kentucky State University Aquaculture graduate students will be at our market selling their freshwater prawns or as I call them...shrimp! The great part is all of the proceeds will go back to them to help with their continuing research, field trips to visit other “shrimping” operations and general public awareness of this great (and relatively new) Kentucky treasure! Make sure you mark your calendar and plan a trip to the market!

Okay, now on to this Saturday and what you'll find at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market...

Corn...in short supply, so shop early!

Green Beans

Tomatoes

Potatoes

Eggplant

Peppers...hot, sweet and in between!

Squash...winter and summer!

Okra

Cucumbers

Onions

Sweet taters!

Zucchini

Cantaloupe

Watermelon

Apples

Pears

Eggs

Beef

Pumpkins

Fresh cut herbs

Fresh cut flowers

Herb seasoning

Baked goods

Fall decorations...gourds, Indian corn, etc.

Homemade soaps & bath salts

Honey

Jams & jellies

Mums

And, so much more!!!

As you can see, we are still growing, raising, baking and making no matter what Mother Nature brings us...we want to be able to offer our customers nothing but the best that we can provide from our farms!

Don't forget, you voted us the #1 farmers market in Kentucky for a reason...we are full of homegrown/produced goodness!

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

Free and convenient parking and we are wheelchair and stroller friendly!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Thursday 3-6

Where

Tuesday & Saturday market...3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall.

Thursday market...Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Our farmers are also trained and certified in the GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) program!

It's just another way that we show you how much we care about what we do!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest 100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!

We are #1 in Kentucky!!!!

You'd think that we would be all business after having been voted the #1 farmers market in Kentucky in the American Farmland Trust "America's Favorite Farmers Market" contest.  Nope, not us...we still have fun doing what we love.  We grow, bake, raise and produce 100% goodness for our customers and then we let our hair down and have some fun!  This was the case with our heirloom tomato guy, Roger, when the Lexington Legends and "Big L" made an appearance at the market yesterday!

Before I start to tell you about the wonderful goodies that will be available at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market this Saturday, let me say thank you again to all who voted for us in the America's Favorite Farmers Market contest. We are so proud to be voted #1 in Kentucky and in the top 20 in the entire United States. We sure couldn't have accomplished this feat without our customers and loyal followers. We just want you to know how much we appreciate all of you.

Okay, now on to the Saturday goodies! :) There's still plenty of summer goodness but the fall treasures are starting to make their way into the market too!

In the veggie department, look for...

Tomatoes – red, yellow, green, pink, striped, small, large and in between!

Peppers - hot, sweet, red, green, yellow, short, long, skinny & plump!

Potatoes – white, red, golden, fryers, bakers, mashers!

Sweet Taters – good for ya, need I say more!

Okra – think gumbo!

Onions – all sizes, shapes and colors!

Squash – summer, winter, exotic, odd, common, yellow, green & always good!

Eggplant – purple, white, big & little!

Greens – kale, Swiss chard & mustard...maybe even some spinach!

Green Beans - get them while you can!

Corn – second crop is starting to come in but it will be in short supply so shop early!

And, in the fruit area, look for...

Watermelons – yellow, red, seedless and with seeds for those spitting contests!

Raspberries – red, plump and delicious!

Apples – red, yellow and green...all crisp and crunchy!

Pears – mostly the Asian varieties!

Pumpkins – small, medium but always sweet and ready to be baked or decorated!

Other treats for the tummy...

Beef – ASH free!

Eggs – free range and farm fresh!

Breads – Amish baked zucchini and honey wheat, plus herb buns!

Baked Sweet Treats – jam cakes and zucchini cookies!

Jams & Jellies – fruity, peppery and always wonderful!

Honey – Kentucky State Fair winning honey, some even have the honeycomb in the jars!

Herbs – fresh cut, dried and herb seasoning too!

Don't forget your home and garden...

Fresh cut flowers!

Mums!

Gourds!

Daylilies!

And, the best part is everything is grown, raised, baked or made by one of our market members!

Saturday, September 4^th

The Lexington Legends

and

“Big L”

will be at the market from 9 until 11...bring the kids!

NOW ACCEPTING

EBT/DEBIT CARDS!

Free and convenient parking and no construction or road closures to worry about! We're a farmers market shoppers delight!

2010 Market Information

When

Saturday 9-2

Tuesday 3-6:30

Where

3450 Richmond Rd. in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot, right next to the Glenn Auto Mall.

Parking is always FREE and we are stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Why

Because we think everyone who shops at a farmers market deserves to be talking to the farmer who grew, baked, made or created what they are selling!

Our farmers are also trained and certified in the GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) program!

It's just another way that we show you how much we care about what we do!

Hope to see you at Lexington's largest 100% homegrown/produced

farmers market!