Nevada City June 26, 2008 - The grand opening of the Nevada City Farmers Market is gearing up to be an exceptional community event. Beginning this Saturday, June 28th (8am-noon) and continuing for 18 consecutive weeks until October 25th, this farmers' market has already garnered a strong buzz about town.
Last year through the Great Nevada City Survey, locals aired their desire for an area to be closed to cars in downtown Nevada City as well as a farmers' market that would provide a place for community. The Nevada City Downtown Association promptly responded to the survey by collaborating with farmers and community members to make this event a reality.
Market Manager, Reinette Senum, touts the location of Union Street, the new Robinson Plaza and Calanan Park as a premier location for a farmers' market. Combined with the eye for detail the market committee has for this event, it is expected that this market will be one of the more esthetically pleasing farmers' markets in California.
"I have put together a lot of events over the last 20 years and I have never experienced such a high level of professionalism, dedication and team-playing as I have with this market," Senum said. "If this is a tell-tale sign of what is to come, this market is going to be a cornerstone community event."
The Nevada City Farmers Market is focused on supporting local and regional farmers, as well as providing education in sustainable farming/garden practices, etc. Some of the participating produce vendors include; Mountain Bounty Farm, Bluebird Farm, Heaven and Earth Farm, Indian Springs Organic Farm, Wild Grace Farm, Naked Farms, Garden Fare, Nevada County Free Range Beef and Sunlight Botanicals to name a few. A total of approximately 40 vendors are planned for opening day festivities.
"We're growing additional crops just for this market," Mountain Bounty Farm owner, Angie Tomey said. "All the participating farmers are excited about this market and are looking forward to the direct connection with our community."
The objective for the Nevada City Farmers Market is to provide a place for the local residents' basic needs will be met on a weekly basis. It is expected this market will become a morning ritual for many community members and the market committee encourages locals start their day with the market in the morning and then continue their day enjoying the downtown merchants and restaurants of Nevada City. Residents living near the market are encouraged to step out of their cars and stroll down to the market and enjoy their neighborhoods along the way.
To make shopping at the market convenient, the market committee has put together a "Veggie Valet" booth. The "Veggie Valet" is a free service that allows you to drop off your farmers' market purchases and either continue shopping or grab your car (or bicycle) for curbside pickup. The "Veggie Valet" will be open from 8 am to 1 pm which includes an additional hour after the rest of the market closes.
The market highly encourages non-profits to utilize the 18 week event as a way to reach the public to support their membership and fund drives. The market committee also encourages locals to sign up as a volunteer for a shift at the market. It's a wonderful way to connect with the community.
It is state law that dogs not be allowed in certified farmers' markets so it is suggested that visitors keep their beloved canine companions at home. The market committee also encourages visitors to bring their own cups and plates for any treats they want to purchase to support a low/zero waste objective at the market.
Fresh, French baked goods, hot crepes and breakfast burritos will be a specialty of the market, as well as locally raised meats, eggs, fresh-cut flowers, nursery items and of course, fresh produce. Ragged But Right will be kicking off with live music June 28th and the opening ceremony will take place at 10am with local dignitaries.
Jeannie Tofanelli from the Nevada County Fire Safe Council will be speaking about fire safety/mitigation measures beginning at 10:15am in Calanan Park. Live animals, children's activities and other offerings to pamper their parents will be available. So bring your favorite coffee mug and a pair of strolling shoes and get ready for your new Saturday morning ritual!
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