Rain or no rain: place your bets

If we sold umbrellas, would more people come to the market? Just a thought......actually, the turnout was outstanding despite the almost constant rain. Thank you, thank you Bloomington-Normal market supporters for showing all the farmers how important fresh, seasonal and LOCAL produce is to you. For your support, we'll keep our end of the bargain and continue to bring fabulous food to you in the months and years to come.

Tip: When it rains, don't stand under the edge of the tents--water will unexpectedly dump down your back! I think I got more wet from that than the actual rain.

An idea that was born back in February/March as an off-shoot of the Sustainable Living & Wellness Expo (you should go!--its great!) was to some how, some way, get locally grown foods into area grocery stores. Would it work? Who would grow the produce? How far away is local? Would produce managers even talk to us? Two members volunteered to investigate possibilities and report back. We thought then that it may be a year or two before we saw something concrete.

Well, concrete happens this Saturday. Barely six months after this concept was discussed, the Local Food Committee and Schnucks will partner to showcase local farmers and their produce. Guess what Mitchell Farms Produce will have there......sweet corn. I know, big surprise.

To kick this off right, Schnucks on Empire St will be hosting a mini-market with a "Meet The Farmer" twist. The Schnucks market will be from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Saturday, July 26. Bill will be there from 3:30 to 4:30, so if you've ever wanted to chat with him, now is you chance. He'll be less distracted than at the Downtown market, so stop by and say hi!

We also could use volunteers to help out at this market as well--to assist with Chef Sally Davis preparing samples and also local food advocates to be on hand to talk to other customers about the benefits of local food and knowing the farmer. If you would like to help (you don't have to commit to the entire time), please drop Elaine a line at bloomington_farmersmarket@yahoo.com or stop by the Market tent Saturday morning downtown. Or come see me.

I won't be a the Schnucks market--we're having a birthday party for Allie. For those who know her, Allie has been helping us at the market for the last few years. As her math skills increase, she has been more of an asset and willingly gets up at 5:45 am for the market. She turned 9 this Wednesday and eight of those years, we've been farming, so she hasn't know life without lots of fresh produce and farmer's markets. Allie has always been eager to help out on the farm; even as as tiny 3 year old, she insisted on helping us move cantaloupe. She's a great girl--so stop by and wish her a happy birthday!

Since we're having a cook out Saturday night (after the kid party and two markets!), I know what I'm fixing--what will you have?

• Sweet corn--The best around! Tell your neighbors & friends all about our corn--sweet, tender and creamy. Let us know if you want a large quantity (more than 6 dozen) to freeze for the winter.
• Tomatoes--We should have a good quantity of tomatoes this week. Some of our best have been the heirlooms: Pink Brandywine & Purple Cherokee are two fantastic varieties. Both have amazing flavor and are solid tomato--not watery!
• Cantaloupe--There have been a few here & there this week and we'll have a bunch Saturday. These are an early variety (Early Queen) and they are just fantastic. Very sweet and flavorful. Melon lovers--rejoice!
• Green beans
• Green peppers
• Sweet Banana peppers
• Variety of hot peppers--hot Hungarian, jalapeno, and some others--can't remember!
• Eggplant-purple & striped
• Asian eggplant--these skinny fruits are perfect for stir fry. No need to peel--perfect if you haven't tried eggplant before.
• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Summer Squash
• Sweet onions--perfect for onion rings!
• Garlic--fresh garlic CANNOT be missed!
  
• Cherry & grape tomatoes
• anything else that's growing that I missed!

Get your canvas bags out of the car, bring them to the market and get something good for dinner this weekend. August is just around the corner and we'll be starting our eat local campaign again. This would be a good week to practice making a local meal or a dish featuring local ingredients. Send me a picture and I'll feature your local meal!