This Little Piggy Went to Market

It's almost April 3rd, and do you know what that means? Time for the Farmers' Market to start back up!

For me, it's like Christmas without the post-holiday letdown, as the harvest only gets better over time...but don't let the early season fool you, the market already has plenty to offer! Check out last year's Daily Camera Crop Calendar for an idea of what to expect, but for now, think SALADS! Lettuce, hothouse tomatoes, radishes, and cucumbers, oh my! And don't forget to take home some garlic! I know that sounds odd, but homegrown garlic has the sweetest, most potent flavor, and unless you're a vampire, you gotta try it. Make a point of picking up some fresh eggs and cheese, too. Eggs + cheese + garlic = best omelet ever.

Beyond local produce, there are dozens of prepared and packaged food vendors, too. My personal favorite is Loredana's. I don't know if they've caught on to my double and triple visits yet, but I can make breakfast out of bread and marinated cheese at their stand. Read my lips: white truffle tartufo.

If you're really hungry, I have one word for you: pupusas. New to the scene last year, the pupusa stand must have handed out thousands of their cheese and meat/veggie stuffed flatbreads. Quick, hot, cheap.

As if you need another reason to go, how about for the live music? I just checked the weather for Saturday and the sun will be out--nothing better than spring sunshine, tunes, and free samples. Take your fare and enjoy it in the park, or segue into downtown for some shopping and busker action!

See you there!

--Stacy

Last Wednesday Night Farmer's Market!

I love winter in Boulder, and as summer events wind down I always get a little giddy with anticipation, however watching fall flicker away is always bittersweet. If you're reminiscing for summer on this warm fall day head over to the Farmer's Market for their last Wednesday night of the season. Cool fall evenings provide a unique ambiance for the market as the sun sets over the Flatirons. The next few days may get cold and wet so grab some vegetables, locally raised beef and create a stew to come home to; a couple pumpkins for the front porch and some tea from Dushanbe Tea House will keep you warm until you get there.

The market is now the only local farmers' markets to be owned by the participating growers. The market does everything they can to make sure vendors sell produce grown in Boulder County and there is nothing sold that is grown or produced outside of Colorado. The Farmer's Market has been operating on 13th st. adjacent to Central Park for over 20 years. With city and state support, students from CU's President Leadership Program researched other markets and helped make the present site selection. It has since become a Boulder tradition, a fabulous venue for fresh produce and a great place to mingle with friends and neighbors.

In two weeks, on October 17, the last arts event will be held in conjunction with the market though market itself will continue on Saturday mornings until November 7th.

- Ian

First Friday, Jewish Festival, Outdoor Cinema and More!

This weekend, there are tons of activities happening throughout Downtown Boulder. Here’s some highlights:

On Friday (June 5), Pearl Street’s East End merchants (from the 1500 – 2100 blocks), are kicking off their own version of First Fridays. Look for balloons up and down the East End and check out some of the great businesses that occupy the blocks just east of the Bricks. First Friday Boulder is also a great resource of special happenings and events throughout downtown. Tee and Cakes, Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery & Earthwood Gallery are just some of the businesses celebrating First Friday. Don’t forget to check out Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art’s(BMoCA) Grand Reopening Celebration!

On Saturday (June 6), the Boulder County Farmers’ Market will be in full swing between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. During the same time period, the 5th Annual Mapleton Hill Boulder Historic District Rummage Sale will be taking place. Over 40 historic homes will be offering fabulous finds, collectibles, toys & gear, clothes, furniture, kitchenware, lemonade, coffee, baked goods and more! At 2 p.m., the West End Tavern hosts their version of the Belmont Stakes with Hermit Crab Races, $5 Belmont Breezes & Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps. Later in the evening, Boulder Outdoor Cinema starts their summer season with AIRPLANE. Gates open at 7 p.m. with lots of pre-show contests, short films and live entertainment! Grab your chair, beanbag or sectional and enjoy a night under the stars!

Sunday (June 7), enjoy a wonderful brunch at Bacaro Venetian Taverna. The restaurant supports local and organic farms including Haystack Mountain and Niman Ranch. For women (and just women) who want to enjoy some exercise & fresh air, check out the Venus De Miles Club Ride for beginner and intermediate cyclists! Meet at Full Cycle (18th and Pearl streets) at 9 a.m. Before the ride, Michelle Karl will lead the group in a short exercise on balancing hectic lives. In the late morning, the Pearl Street Mall welcomes the Boulder Jewish Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the 1200 – 1500 blocks. If you are feeling creative, head to Color Me Mine for Family Day and enjoy half price paint time! ( “Insider Tip”: park FREE in City of Boulder Parking Garages EVERY Saturday and Sunday throughout the year!)

For a complete list of happenings and businesses in Downtown Boulder, visit BoulderDowntown.com, Follow Downtown Boulder on Twitter and become a Fan on Facebook!

-Terri Takata-Smith

Boulder First Wednesday Night Farmers Market of 2009

Today in Downtown Boulder

Take two minutes to read this blog then turn off your computer and make your way to Downtown Boulder today! The weather is amazing. People are relaxing and enjoying delicious foods and beverages on various outdoor patios. Buskers are performing all along the Pearl Street Mall, hundreds of tulips are in full bloom and perhaps best of all…the Boulder County Farmers’ Market starts their Wednesday season this afternoon from 4 – 8 p.m.!

What’s new this season at the wildly popular Boulder County Farmers’ Market? Specialty organic chocolate and an organic bread baker to name just a few! Over the last year, 20 new farms have begun participating in the market. This means you can expect to find more eggs, pasteurized cow and goat milk, a variety of cheeses, more starter plants to help you grow your own and unique products such as crayfish. Many of the returning vendors are also adding new products to their mix. The market is located just off the Bricks (Pearl Street Mall) next to Central Park on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue.

Later this evening in Downtown Boulder, elephantjournal.com’s “Walk the Talk Show with Waylon Lewis” will take place at the historic Boulder Theater. The show is honored to host Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg, famous yoga teacher John Friend, Titans of New Tech including Gwen Bell, Jeffrey Kalmikoff of Threadless, Brad Feld, Micah Baldwin of Lijit and music by Paper Bird. The event will include an eco-expo, before and after party, music and much more entertainment with the highlight of the evening being an eco-fashion show courtesy of prAna with makeup by top makeup artist, Jen Murphy. Showcased on all of the models will be the bio-active, organic make-up line, Afterglow Cosmetics. Click here for ticket information.

In Downtown Boulder there is something to see and do every day of the week. To find out about other happenings in the heart of the city, visit BoulderDowntown.com.