It’s going to feel like summer again this weekend at the Market, even though there are hints of the transition we’ll be going through as we head into fall. That’s right — fall. People are wrapping up their vacations, the students are coming back, school supply shopping makes trips to the store unimaginably crazy… and there are apples at the Market.
They’ve actually been there for a few weeks, patiently waiting their turn for the spotlight while the stone fruits strut their stuff. The Market will have an abundance of peaches for a couple weeks yet, but this week is the last for at least one supplier. Now’s the time to negotiate a box of seconds (in addition to what you buy for eating) so you can make jam, freeze them, whatever.
Sweet corn reminder: The Market has two large sweet corn growers bringing their loads in, but there are also several smaller growers with superb sweet corn. If the big trucks are empty, KEEP LOOKING! The folks at the City tent know where the corn is, too — ask them for help if you’re coming up empty. Corn will be available in Rows 1, 3, 4 and 5 this Saturday. The end of season for Illinois sweet corn is coming up faster than you might realize, so load up.
This Week’s Food: You can expect a lot of sweet corn, peaches and nectarines, early apples, 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, and much more. Don’t forget the wide selection of baked goods and prepared foods, plus meat, cheese, eggs, and honey. There are, quite literally, WALLS of fresh, locally-grown produce for sale at the Market.
Of Note:
The City of Urbana Public Arts Program will provide a free marbled paper workshop at the Market at the Square this Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to participate in this workshop open to all ages which will be held continuously throughout the morning. Urbana artist and educator David Black will facilitate the creation of marbled paper, a technique of using an aqueous surface for printmaking. Look for the City of Urbana tent at the Market on the Square on the corner of Vine St. and Illinois St. in Urbana. Registration is not required.
Speaking of art — there are a plethora of local artisans at the Market every weekend, but this weekend is particularly robust. If you’re interested in batik, glass and glass jewelry, cute food-related accessories, textiles, woodwork, photography… this is a great weekend to roam the Market. There’s great stuff in every row.
Market posters are for sale at the City tent — they’re numbered, limited to 100, and will only cost you $2.00. Available until they’re gone — and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Next week is the 3rd installment of Sprouts at the Market — ALL ABOUT CORN! 9-11 a.m., workshop is free, and no registration is required. Bring the kids — and you might learn something, too.
See you out there — stop by the City tent for more information, to say hello, to grab some water, or to make some art!