Lots of people keep saying they’re ready for sweaters and apple cider and chilly mornings and falling leaves (Why is that? What’s good about diminishing daylight and cold hands?), but there’s still plenty of summer left at the Market. So there.
Corn is King this week — though we’re definitely on the back end of the season, there’s still plenty to go around for the next few weeks. Look for it in rows 1, 3, 4, and 5 this weekend. If you come late and strike out, you can always head to the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival in downtown Urbana; the party gets started Friday night and will continue all day on Saturday. The corn this year is sourced from an Illinois farm, which is totally cool! Remember: the Market is not affected at all by the Sweetcorn Festival — it’s in the same place, start at the same time, and end at the same time as we always do. Think about the Market as the gateway to the Sweetcorn Festival on Saturday.
This Week’s Food: You can expect plenty of sweet corn, peaches & nectarines, some plums, early apples, several types of pears, cucumbers, beets, zucchini and summer squash, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, basil and other herbs, kale, arugula, leeks, shallots, garlic, potatoes, melons, cabbage, lettuces, peppers (hot and sweet), heirloom tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, maybe a few blackberries, and much more. Don’t forget the wide selection of baked goods and prepared foods, plus meat, cheese, eggs, and honey. YUM.
In the house this week — Urbana Fire Rescue collecting spare change for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Carle Foundation Hospital collecting expired medications and old needles for the launch of their year-round medical waste acceptance program (first 500 visitors will receive a free “green” shopping tote!), Revolution Hoops are back for one date only, many artisans and crafters, the C-U Spinners and Weavers Guild will be showing off their mad skillz, and -— last but not least, Smile Politely will be hanging out at the north end of the Market.
Should be a great day — see you out there!