Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market is Open!

By Nicole Zahm

The Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market is back for its fifth season beginning on April 4. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. –1 p.m. spring, summer and fall, a circle of farmers and food artisans will set up their stands to offer shoppers and diners an array of delicious edibles outside the Scotts Valley Community Center. The market connects residents directly with local farms, 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 2015 the Scotts Valley Market brings back the best of last season and some exciting new projects for local residents.

In its usual style the Scotts Valley Market will offer a Kids Zone and Watch It Grow station where little ones play and plant seedlings to take home. A weekly music program featuring local bluegrass, jazz and country blues bands keep peoples feet stompin’ as they shop and visit. And, due to its roaring success, another round of the Pop-Up Breakfast series will bring a farm-to-table ticketed event into the market on July 18 – a multi-course meal spotlighting seasonal ingredients expertly prepared by local chefs.

Brand new this year, a partnership with the recently established neighboring community garden, the local 4-H and the Scotts Valley Market will bring multiple rounds of a four-week, youth focused gardening class throughout the market season. Families can enroll via 4-H and attend classes in the garden led by owner of Old House Farm, Kelly Bradford. A member of the Scotts Valley Market, Kelly will bring children and their families into the garden and into the market for learning, planting, tasting and selling. Members of the garden will receive a 50% discount on organic plant starts from Old House Farm.

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For more information, visit the SCCFM website: santacruzfarmersmarket.org, or contact Nicole Zahm, Education Coordinator at: education@santacruzfarmersmarket.org, or Director Nesh Dhillon at info@santacruzfarmersmarket.org. Facebook: Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market