The Observation Deck

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 17, 2006

LAKEWOOD FARMERS MARKET TO OPEN WEDNESDAY, JULY 19TH


Behind the Masonic Temple this half of the market looks ready to open.
(See this and other photo blogs in the galleries off the front page)

The Lakewood Farmer's Market opens for its eighth great season on Wednesday, July 19th at 11:00 a.m. in the Masonic Temple Parking Lot, 15300 Detroit Avenue. The Farmers Market is being relocated to the Masonic Temple Parking lot due to the construction going on in the area. The Masons generously offered the use of their parking lot for the Market this year.

The Farmer's Market will offer again this year, locally grown produce along with freshly baked breads and pastries, artisans and craftspeople who help to create a festive market atmosphere for the Lakewood community. The Market will operate every Wednesday through October 4th between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 pm.

The Market is operated by the North Union Farmer's Market in collaboration with the City of Lakewood and features vendors who grow their own produce on small, family-owned farms. Organizers expect up to 15 vendors at each Wednesday's market.

The North Union Farmer's Market is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1995 dedicated to supporting family farms in northeast Ohio, providing urban people access to fresh, locally grown produce and creating a wholesome family activity that builds community.

###


Mainstreet's Jennifer Hooper strolls through the market buying some fruit and vegetables.
(See this and other photo blogs in the galleries off the front page)


Shopping at the market.
(See this and other photo blogs in the galleries off the front page)

That's really cool ... but it's not that good for those of us who work during the day and can't go there. Wouldn't it be possible for the farmer's market to be open in an evening when more people could go to it? Or even earlier in the morning, so perhaps people could stop by before they go to work?

c. dawson wrote:That's really cool ... but it's not that good for those of us who work during the day and can't go there. Wouldn't it be possible for the farmer's market to be open in an evening when more people could go to it? Or even earlier in the morning, so perhaps people could stop by before they go to work?

c.dawson

I know people are looking at alternatives. One is the Lakewood Observer Gourmet Food Security Network, that is building close relationships with farmers in the immediate area. Another is the Emerald Canyon Co-Op.


.

Jim,

As much as I love supporting the North Union Farmers' Market (and did so frequently when they had their market in the Cleveland Heights Coventry neighborhood during the evening), it's a bit odd that they're picking a time that's inaccessible to most ... though I guess on saturdays they're over at CrockerWorld ...

But if there are alternatives, that's certainly welcome. I must confess though, I've not heard of the Emerald Canyon Co-Op ... do you have details?

I was at the market today and bought the first of 11 different varieties of garlic. It is great to be able to buy fresh food from the people that grew it. As much fun as the West Side Market is, seeing them pull produce out of shippers' boxes takes some of the appeal out of it.

I don't understand the hours either - I would think that the increased business would make up for evening hours. I was at a meeting of the Entrepreneurs for Sustainability group this past winter that discussed local, organic sources of food. The farmers at the meeting said that they weren't able to reach enough consumers - they were not able to sell all of their produce, meat, dairy. The consensus of the consumers was that they didn't have access to enough sources. The hours of the North Union markets was brought up as one hurdle to matching the buyers and sellers.

I'm planning on going every Wednesday...if anyone wants to give me a shopping list I'm game...I'd be willing to load up the truck and drop off a bag or two for you.
Chris

SOme great looking squash, root veggies. Local field tomatoes, destined to be paired with some artisan sour dough for BLTs....

Also ordered some beef. I'll let everyone know.

Jeff

Don't forget to try some potatoes! I bought some fingerlings today (they're small and look like fat fingers)-can't wait for dinner. Real potatoes are much different from store-bought. Try the peaches and berries too. We call them sink peaches. You have to lean over the kitchen sink to eat them, they are so juicy.

Jeff, the heirloom tomatoes are a week or so away. Ridgebridge Farm in Avon has 2500 plants this year, with over 30 varieties. She should be there next week, I hope.

Bill

Bill Davis wrote:Try the peaches and berries too. We call them sink peaches. You have to lean over the kitchen sink to eat them, they are so juicy.
Bill

We must of been eating the same peaches. They were very good.

This was the first time I have been there. I picked up some corn, as well as the angel wings. (Gotta hide those from the kids...they are too good to share!!!)

I will definitely make this one of my weekly stops.

Suzie Dean wrote:I will definitely make this one of my weekly stops.

They have come on as big supporters of the Lakewood Observer, and soon you will be able to see Chef Geoff cook there as part of a special promotion.

Peaches and blueberries were good. Ran into Jennifer Hooper from Mainstreet, the Hiltys, Mrs. Gilbert, Tom the parking ticket guy, and a whole bunch of others.


.


C.

The LO Emerald Canyon Co-Op was working mostly this year on finding warehouse space. Instead of food they have been working on concrete, roofing materials, paint, flower seeds and bulbs, etc.





.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:The LO Emerald Canyon Co-Op was working mostly this year on finding warehouse space. Instead of food they have been working on concrete, roofing materials, paint, flower seeds and bulbs, etc.

It is not too early to be harvesting seeds from perennials for the neighbor to neighbor seed exchange!

I grabbed some coreopsis seeds from some flower heads being thinned at an Adopt-a-Spot and will keep a few in our yard for next year, because I just love Coreopsis in salad!

and soon you will be able to see Chef Geoff cook there as part of a special promotion.

Perhaps.....details to be worked out (just little things, like oh, I don't know...a cooking aparatus).

Chef Geoff's agent

Grillin' & Chillin' with Chef Geoff?

Here's an interesting article that may apply ---

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20060724/ts_csm/clocal

Stan Austin