BY SOPHIA KHORI
MURPHY NEWS SERVICE
Mother’s Day weekend marks the beginning of the ninth season of the Mill City Farmers Market on the Minneapolis riverfront.
In celebration of both the opening and mothers across the metro, the market’s opening day on May 10, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., will be packed with activities.
Martha Archer, executive director of the Mill City Farmers Market, said she anticipates a big crowd for opening day. “After this long, long winter I think people are dying to get outdoors and talk to the farmers and see how they bared this winter,” she said.
Archer said that many customers come back year after year to buy from their favorite farmers or to continue to support their regular PSA farmers, while some “love connecting with the Hmong population and understanding how they farm.”
She said market goers will be surprised to see how much fresh produce is available this early in the season.
The market will feature many returning vendors and newcomers this season. New faces include Sunrise Creative Gourmet, a pasta vendor, Zula Juice and Verdant Tea, Chisago Lakes Berry Basket, Driftless Organics, Seed to Seed Farm, Seven Songs Organic Farm and Red Table Meat Co.
In addition to coming down to the farmers market to buy food, it is also a learning experience. Archer says that the market is a chance to connect with the people that grow your food, and be able to learn tips for growing herbs at home, hear about the cheese-making process, and even receive cooking lessons.
The market also has a new partnership with the Wedge Community Co-op, which will be sponsoring weekly cooking demos Saturdays at 10 a.m.
On the entertainment end “there will be music as always,” Archer said. Performances start at 11 a.m. each Saturday. On opening day, Daddy Squeeze, a local accordionist, will be providing a soundtrack to this community gathering.
For mothers there will be bouquets of spring flowers and herb baskets that could make perfect gifts. As for the kids, there will be farm animals to pet and visit from Oliver H. Kelly Farm.
The market’s season runs through Oct. 25. After the outdoor season ends, there will be indoor markets once a month.
“Our mission is to not only connect our community with local food, but to educate the community along the way,” Archer said.
For more information visit http://millcityfarmersmarket.org
Sophia Khori is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.