Opening Weekend! 

We are very excited about the upcoming 2010 Market season.  Thanks to the "summer-like" weather this spring the produce looks great! Produce available this Saturday includes asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, sugar snap peas, shallots, cilantro, dill, lettuces, spinach, radishes and green onions.

We are thrilled to have nearly all of our vendors from last year return again this year as well as several new vendors. We have expanded the Market to include "the overlook" area by the pond. Be sure to follow the sidewalk to this new area as there will be something different every week! To accommodate as many new vendors as possible, some will have a rotating schedule. New items this year include fresh salsa, salad dressing, mustard and marinades, gluten-free breakfast bars, freshly milled flour and oats, gourmet chocolates, spice rubs and spice mixes.

Also new this year is Wisconsin made cheese, olives, beef jerky and a new variety of meat and eggs as well as unique arts and crafts. Be sure to look at the vendor list for specific dates of product availability and the vendor map for vendor locations.

We are kicking off the season with several special activities! This week Master Gardeners will be available from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., so bring your yard and garden questions. We also have a special kids activity planned. We will be planting sunflower seeds and making butterflies from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or while supplies last. The Rhubarbarians will be kicking off the farmers market music schedule this year with their fresh, sweet style of acoustic music from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Finally, Metro Blooms will be hosting a Raingarden workshop from  9 a.m. - 12 p.m., inside the Center for the Arts, space is limited please see their website for more information www.metroblooms.org.

Please note these other exciting events coming to the Market:
June 19th - Global Celebration, a day of cultural arts and crafts, music, food and fun for the entire family!
June 26th - Get Fit Day and a performance by the Bloomington Chorale

Sugar Snaps, Peas & Radishes with Lemon Butter - The Rodale Whole Foods Cookbook   

• 1 pound sugar snap peas, strings removed
• 1 cup shelled fresh green peas 
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• Salt & pepper  
  

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the sugar snaps for approximately 5 minutes.  Drain under cold running water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the radishes and cook until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the snap peas and cook to heat through. Add the butter, zest, and salt and pepper to taste.  Cook stirring until the butter melts. Makes 6 servings.

Bloomington Farmers Market Information:

Hours
Market hours are 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.; for safety and fairness there is NO shopping before 8 a.m. Also, for environmental health reasons, pets are not allowed in the Market.

Parking
The East Lot of Civic Plaza, where the Market is held, is for Handicap Parking only. There is plenty of Free Parking on the West Side of Civic Plaza. There is also parking across 98th street in the VEAP parking lot and at Public Works off James Ave.