Food News: Fresh fruits, veggies return tp Town Square this weekend

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

By Melanie Stein

The wait is over. On Saturday, bring your kids, dogs and canvas grocery bags to the Town Square for the opening day of the seventh annual Jackson Hole Farmers Market. From 8-11 a.m., you’ll find farmers from Jackson Hole, Star Valley, Teton Valley and as far away as Utah selling fresh vegetables and produce. You’ll also find baked goods, cheeses, live entertainment and information about local nonprofits.

This year’s market will boast about 30 different vendors each week, according to Jessica Vandenbroeke, president of the Jackson Hole Farmers Market board. Vendors come from afar because Jackson Hole has a reputation for having a highly successful, profitable market.

“Basically we have everything from bakery goods to fresh produce, fruits and berries, BBQ sauces and salad dressings,” Vandenbroeke said, “buffalo meat products, fresh cut and potted flowers, plants, cheese, doggie treats, tram bars, Jackson Hole pancake mix … .”

Although the market is traditionally thought of as a place to buy fresh food, it also has come to symbolize community and camaraderie as residents gather, mill about, socialize and take in the summer.

One way the farmers market has established itself in the community has been to invite area nonprofits, musicians and chefs to get involved. Nonprofits apply for a spot and are selected by the Farmers Market board on the basis of perceived need and diversity from year to year. They then man a stand on the Square, pass out information and or coffee or treats, and put a human face on their organization.

This year, 11 nonprofits will be represented at the market, beginning with the Rotary Club of Jackson Hole and including other groups such as Interconnections21, the Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association and the Community Safety Network.

On the southeast corner of the Town Square, each farmers market Saturday, live musicians perform for the shoppers. This year kicks off with Cary Judd, Pete and Anne Sibley, the Jackson Hole Music Experience, Dan Thomasma and the Jackson Hole Chorale, among others, following throughout the season. Also, every Saturday, Jerry Tap will play his alpine horn to start off each market.

Finally, each Saturday market features a different chef from an area restaurant to offer customers tastes of his or her creations. This week, a chef from the Westbank Grill at the Four Seasons will tempt market-goers’ taste buds.

The Jackson Hole Farmers Market will run for 11 weeks – one week longer than past years, due to the early growing season – beginning Saturday. Check it out 8-11 a.m. on the east side of the Town Square.
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Food News: Fresh fruits, veggies return tp Town Square this weekend | Planet JH News Article: Restaurants And Dining

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