August 5, 2017 Preview: Drumlin Farms Audubon Ark! Jaju Pierogi, Sasquatch Woodworks, LOTS of Produce!!!

The Drumlin Farms Audubon Ark is coming this week, Linden Tree Coffeehouse will be the DJ for part of the day, and we’ll have another great cooking demo featuring some of the plethora of produce our farmers will be bringing. The Wakefield Farmers Market takes place at Hall Park, on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt, each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October 14, 2017. To give directions to a friend, just tell them to use 468 North Ave via GPS.

FOR KIDS! Wendy Ernst of Drumlin Farms Audubon Ark will be on hand from 11:00 to noon with a number of small furry or feathered animals to meet up close and gently touch. The presentation will take place in one of the center tents. We’ve heard that a baby snapping turtle will be one of guests. Come and see what else will be visiting!

Linden Tree Coffeehouse (LTC) volunteers will be at the music tent from 10-noon acting as our DJ, sharing some of the fine music recorded by the many talented artists who have graced its state since its beginnings in 1985. LTC presents ten or so acoustic music concerts a year in the Wakefield Unitarian Universalist Church social hall and, new this year, two free outdoor shows in the summer, featuring local and national singer-songwriters, playing a wide range of folk music from contemporary, traditional, bluegrass, and blues. Stop by to hear some great tunes and learn about this amazing volunteer organization that has long supported the arts in our community by providing an affordable and intimate venue for musicians and audiences alike. Be sure grab a flyer and ask how volunteers can see a show for free!

The cooking demo at our Market Kitchen Tent will be presented by Suman Shah, who created a tasty eggplant and corn relish sweetened with a bit of maple syrup last week. You’ll find our recipes on our new Market Kitchen Tent website: wfmmarketkitchen.site You can also link to this new site via our main website. All recipes present easy, healthy, and tasty ways to use one or more types of produce offered by our farmers. You will find the Market Kitchen tent to the left of the Market Manager tent. Stop by to try a bite! Cooking demos typically start around 10:00 a.m.

Yarrow will be with us making his magic with balloons, the Kid’s Activity tent will be stocked with plenty of paper and crayons, and we always have hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, and jump ropes on hand for kids of all ages.

Before we go to the vendor list, here are this week’s specials and news from our vendors:

Charlton Orchards now has pickles!

Sasquatch Woodworks will be bringing a variety of lighting etched serving trays and cutting boards.

Emmett’s Edibles -Treat your dog to some tasty summery Very Berry Blueberry treats!

Pony Shack Cider – Fifer’s Dream – Our signature cider, bright, well balanced and super refreshing for summer time fun!

Jaju Pierogi – Jalapeño cheddar flavor this week. The right balance of spice and cheesy goodness!

And, don't forget, SNAP folks: you can get your HIP benefits by shopping at Farmer Dave's!

Now, here’s what you’ve been waiting for – the official list of week’s vendors!

Produce: Charlton Orchards, Farmer Dave, and Kelly's Farm – what new can I write but that they will have even MORE fresh produce, from berries and greens, to stone fruits, corn, tomatoes, summer squashes and so much more! Flat’s Mentor Farm has its signature pea tendrils and amazing herbs, as well as more traditional local veggies. I wonder when the squash blossoms will appear?

Dried Legumes: Farmer Dave’s has Baer’s Beans! Grown and dried in Maine by Farmers Charley and Carol Baer, they are the best and so fresh there is no need to soak before cooking.

Pasture-raised Meats, Poultry, and Eggs: As always, Lilac Hedge Farm has a great assortment of locally raised meats, poultry, and eggs, along with their local. honey. They also often have yummy jerky type products, including dog treats, as well. Charlton Orchards also always has eggs along with their other family farm fare.

Cheese: West River Creamery. Be sure to stop by and get some of the very best cheese, including hard cheeses, an amazing blue that will knock your socks off, and soft goat cheeses as well.

Seafood: Michelle Kraft aka The Fish Lady has excellent locally caught seafood from Red’s Best. The scallop have been especially amazing this year. She also often offers seafood frozen right off the boat for those who want to have seafood that tastes like fresh later in the week.

Specialty Foods: Coutt’s Specialty Foods is year this week, Deano's Pasta, Habibi Gourmet, and also Jaju Piergo with really tasty Polish dumplings. Farmer Dave’s stand has dried apples, jarred sauces, and more made from their produce depending on the week. Charlton Orchards also has tasty jarred salsa and jams from their kitchen, and new this week, pickles. And for pickled veggies and amazing mustards, get those from Jane at the West River Creamery tent.

Baked Goods: With all the bakers on hand, you are bound to find your favorite: Goodies Homemade, Mamadou's Artisan Bakery, Swiss Bakers, The Bread Shop ,The Popover Lady, and Roasted Granola, which also. offers local honey and locally made Greek yogurt. And, if we are lucky, Farmer Dave’s might still have Farmer Jane’s Strawberry Bread.

Beverages: Pony Shack Cider and Pour Man’s Coffee, the latter with the most delectable cold coffee and refreshing fruit and tea beverages around. They also have unique treats to enjoy at the market as well as Fair Trade coffee beans from Dean’s Beans to take home.

Pet Treats: Emmett’s Edibles has wholesome treats for dogs AND even some for cats!

Artisans: Sarah’s Originals with handmade aprons, potholders, and more, Sasquatch Woodworks, and Alison Simcox and Doug Heath will also join us with their books about local landmarks and parks.

Coming Up: Music from, to name a few, Gentle Temper, and return visits by Betty’s Bounce and Amy Spillert, hopefully a visit from our banjo and fiddle trio, and more to come. Curious Creatures will be here on September 2, the Pop Up Library will be here on August 26. Plus: hold September 9 for the Friends of Beebe Library Book Give-Away!

Want to help? Go to the How To Volunteer page on our website or stop by the Market Manager table to learn how. Many hands make a better market for all.

Our market accepts both SNAP/EBT and credit/debit cards for the purchase of Market Bucks for shopping, and match SNAP purchases up to $10 per visit so that everyone can afford to get fresh and healthy foods at our market. This is in addition to the new HIP program.

The Wakefield Farmers Market runs RAIN OR SHINE (except in dangerous weather, e.g. lightning or hurricane conditions). The market opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 1:00 p.m. every Saturday starting June 17 through October 14, 2017. Please visit wakefieldfarmersmarket.org for a current listing of vendors, live music, and special events and to sign up for our email newsletter. See wfmmarketkitchen.site for our recipes! You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. See you at the Market!