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   Issue #4 - July 12, 2012

The produce is really starting to roll in!  This week at the market you will find green beans, zucchini, cucumbers, raspberries, blueberries, kale, swiss chard, onions, herbs, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.  The high temperatures and lack of rain are making it a tough growing season but our farmers are working hard and bringing you the best.

This Saturday the Master Gardeners will be back from 8 a.m - 12 p.m.  Now that summer is in full swing they are here to answer your yard and garden questions! 

Also performing this Saturday is the Bloomington Chorale!  We are in for a real treat as the Bloomington Chorale Adult Choir will be bringing their music to the market at 10 a.m.

Mark your calendars for July 21st as we will have the MN Pork Association at the market with their "Ask a Farmer Feed a family" program!  For every question they get they will donate a pound of pork to Second Harvest.  Be sure to stop by and see what they have to offer! 

Also on July 21st The Bloomington Theater and Art Center will be offering a clay project and a paper-art project from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., as well as pottery wheel demonstrations.   

Steve West will also be back playing his great market tunes from

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Marge and Virginia, the Vista sisters, are sure to have a jam everyone will like. Although, choosing your favorite of the 45 different varieties they make might be difficult!  The Vista Sisters grew up on a farm and continue to live on the same farm today just outside of Waseca, MN.

Marge and Virginia spend most of their summer days in the garden and still grow quite a few of the berries they use such as boysenberries, black raspberries and elderberry.  They also grow rhubarb and grapes.  They freeze their excess berries and start making jam in February and continue thru the growing season.  Sometimes making 3 different varieties of jam in a day!

Each year the Vista Sisters choose a different organization to donate all of their Farmers Market proceeds.  Starting in 2002 they have given to many different organizations including Smile Train and Mission Aviation Fellowship.  This year they are supporting Bridges for Peace and the Bible League.

It's tough to say but some of the top sellers are Strawberry Rhubarb, Raspberry and a sampler pack of jams which includes (7) 4 oz. jars of a variety of jam packed on a frisbee - for some family fun after you get your jam home!  Included in the sampler pack is a herb jelly which is great topped on an english muffin with cream cheese.  You will also find some mini pies available with Marge's homemade crust and if time prevails also some home made bread.

The Vista sisters really enjoy coming to the market, "everyone is so friendly and customers are so pleasant and appreciative"!  You will find the Vista Sisters at the Bloomington Farmers Market thru July and then they will be at their hometown market in Waseca.  Be sure to stop by and you might just find a new favorite variety of jam!  They are located in the middle of the market just north of the seating area.

Thinly slice zucchini lengthwise, brush on olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 

Cut the basil into long strips and mix the parsley with the goat cheese.

Grill the zucchini just until there are char marks and then remove from grill.  Top each slice of zucchini with a dollop of the goat cheese mixture and a piece of basil.  Enjoy!

Bloomington Farmers Market Information:

We love our four legged friends, but there are no dogs/pets allowed in the market area. Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed.

Hours

Market hours are 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.; there is NO shopping before 8 a.m.

Parking

There is plenty of Free Parking on the West side of Civic Plaza during the market. There is also parking across 98th street in the VEAP parking lot and at Public Works off James Ave.

Bring your EBT or Credit Card to the information tent to purchase tokens to be used at the market. EBT customers will also recieve up to $5 worth in Matching Bucks every Saturday they visit the market. The Market Bucks program is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Visit teh farmers market website for more information and guidelines

Best regards,

Keri Lahl

Market Coordinator