Season Opening April 2, SV Community Center
By Nicole Zahm
The Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market is back for its sixth season beginning on April 2. Once again the SV Community Center parking lot will be transformed into a bustling place of commerce and neighborly exchanges — every Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., spring, summer and fall.
As the sun rises a group of some of the finest farms and food artisans around will set up their stands to offer shoppers and diners an array of magnificent edibles. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Market is a resource for agricultural education and provides a community gathering place for families, friends and neighbors.
Known for its focus on regional growers, four of which are within the city limits, the Market delivers a robust selection of organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, pasture-raised chicken and duck eggs, flowers, artisanal meats, breads, seafood, pastries and ready-to-eat cuisine. In 2016 the Scotts Valley Market continues to grow and maturity with the support and dedication of local residents.
Some of the farms you love are getting creative and working hard to bring customers the full spectrum of what can be grown in our region. This year Old House Farm brings shelling beans and figs to market and offers 50% of garden starts to community garden members. New to the Scotts Valley Market, Fogline Farm will offer pasture raised chicken and eggs. RK Honey brings the good sweet stuff from their hives in Boulder Creek and a rotating farm-to-condiment table spotlights local food artisans who know that sourcing from market farms creates the best flavor for their products. Keep your eyes out for a craft booth featuring local artists, Copper Moon Apothecary selling specialty body products and Inzane Pops with delicious, wacky, fruit and veggie popsicles for those hot, mountain-town days.
In its usual style the Scotts Valley Market will offer a Kids Zone in the center of the market where little ones can play and get into art projects. Visible from every corner of the market, parents can keep one eye on the kiddos and the other on that fresh bread, cup of coffee or basket of strawberries.
A weekly music program featuring local bluegrass, jazz and country blues bands keeps the feet stompin’. Mountain Feed and Farm Supply will be back with two preservation classes on July 16 and September 17 – teaching people how to make the most of what’s in season. And, on June 25 another round of the Pop-Up Breakfasts, a farm-to-table ticketed, multi-course meal spotlighting seasonal ingredients expertly prepared by Brad Briske of La Balena. Get your tickets while they last.