The Shasta Growers Association Farmers’ Market opens Saturday, April 9, on Cypress Avenue next to Redding City Hall. The always-popular outdoor market is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday through mid-December.
The selection of fruits and vegetables will probably be rather slim this Saturday, because our long stretch of cold, wet weather through February and March has delayed both farmer and crops. However, organizers expect the market to have a decent selection of plants for backyard gardeners, food vendors, eggs and crafts.
Last year’s opening day attracted 37 vendors, but this year’s first round will probably have fewer people selling things, according to Shasta Growers Association Vice President Bob Kearns.
“As far as vegetables go, we’ll probably have very few,” said Kearns, who has a small farm outside of Anderson. “I haven’t even put anything in the ground yet. The weather just hasn’t been conducive.”
Mineca Griggs of Cove Crest Farm in Montgomery Creek said she will be skipping the first week or two.
“With the weather, there is not going to be much produce,” Griggs said of the opening day market. “And we’re at 2,400 feet, so we’re always behind the other farmers. There’s still snow along the side of the road.”
However, a few growers from farther south in the valley should be able to provide produce, including early strawberries, on Saturday, Kearns added.
The “chef at the market” demonstrations are scheduled to begin on May 21 and run through September.
The growers association market in Anderson set for a May 19 start at the Prime Outlets center in Anderson. It’s a new location for the market, which has been at the Shasta District Fairgrounds for years. Farmers’ markets at Turtle Bay and the Churn Creek Center in Redding will open in June.
******
• Speaking of local farmers … Tehama County’s Pacific Sun Gourmet recently won three gold medals during the 2011 California Olive Oil Competition. The award winners were the Proprietor’s Select Ascolana Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the Tehama County Blend Extra Virgin, and Eva’s Blend Extra Virgin. I love the Proprietor’s Select made with Ascolana olives because it’s nice and spicy.
• And local food … Great Harvest Bread on Hilltop Drive in Redding is donating $1 from the sale of every whole wheat honey bunny sold before Easter to Haven Human Society. What’s a honey bunny? Stop by Great Harvest next to Yaks on Hilltop Drive in Redding, or visit the Great Harvest website to find out. Your sweet tooth will be glad you did.
• And local money … High school students intending to pursue the health field in college may be eligible for scholarships from Mercy Medical Center Redding. Mercy is offering four $1,000 scholarships and two $500 scholarships for students who will be starting college in the fall. The deadline to apply is April 28. For an application, contact Alexis Ross at Alexis.Ross@chw.edu.
• And local sights … Officials at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area are seeking photographs from professionals and amateurs for a “Whiskeytown Adventures” photo exhibition later this year. They’re looking for photos of people mountain biking, boating, hiking, swimming, painting, birding, horseback riding, camping and generally enjoying the park’s wonders. The entry deadline is not until August 1, so you’ve got nearly four months to snap the right shot. First place wins $100, and the “people’s choice” recipient will get $50. Artist-in-residence coordinator Sheila Edridge is overseeing the project. Call her for more information at (530) 246-1225.
Paul Shigley is senior editor of California Planning & Development Report, a frequent contributor to Planning magazine and is hoping his tomato plants don’t freeze tonight. He lives in Centerville. Paul Shigley may be reached at pauls.anewscafe@gmail.com.
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment.
