As the Valley’s temperature slowly decreases, local farmers’ markets begin selling their diverse yield of locally grown produce, eggs, salsa and baked goods. Joining the numerous farmers’ markets that opened in September, Old Town Farmers’ Market in Scottsdale and Avondale Market are opening on Oct. 20, and Peoria Farmers’ Market opens on Oct. 21.
The farmers’ markets have operated for 22 years, and offer local food producers and artisans a venue to feature their product. This fall, nine markets are in operation in the following areas: Ahwatukee, ASU/Tempe, Twilight in Glendale, Avondale, Peoria, Carefree, Mesa, Roadrunner and Old Town Scottsdale, which will open Saturday, Oct. 20 with fresh food from 85 vendors.
Each of the farmers’ markets will feature farm-fresh, seasonal produce, natural pork, beef and fish, as well as locally produced food products. In addition, in the vendors’ efforts to share recipes and preparation ideas for their foodstuffs, many markets will offer cooking demonstrations and gardening lessons.
The Avondale Farmers’ Market features several food producers, including Petrou foods, an artisan offering Greek olive oil, olives and fresh cheeses; My Rusty Garden; Crooked Sky Farms and Lynn’s Bakery.
“Market fans have more locations to choose from across the Valley,” said Dee Logan, founder of Arizona Community Farmers’ Markets. “We know the communities have embraced the farmers and artisans and look forward to a strong fall season.”
The Arizona Community Farmers’ Markets fall 2012 schedule:
ASU Campus Farmers’ Market
Every other Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tempe Orange Mall, west of Memorial Student Union
Citadelle’s Twilight Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
North Glendale at Citadelle Plaza on 59th Ave and Utopia
Carefree Farmers’ Market
Fall hours take effect October 5; Fridays, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Carefree, corner of Easy St. and Ho Hum Way at Amphitheater Gardens
Mesa Community Farmers’ Market
Fall hours take effect October 5; Fridays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
263 North Center St just South of University
Avondale Farmers’ Market
Opens for the fall season on October 20; Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Friendship Park by the lake, 12325 W. McDowell Rd.
Roadrunner Park Farmers’ Market
Celebrating 21 Years with more than 60 farmers, ranchers and local food producers
Fall hours take effect October 6; Saturdays, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Cactus and 51 freeway, Roadrunner Park
Old Town Farmers’ Market
Opens for Fall Season on October 20; Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Parking lot, corner of Brown and First St., next to Carriage House
Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market
Fall hours take effect on October 7; Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ahwatukee Swim and Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner
Peoria Farmers’ Market and Sunday Art Stroll
Opens for fall season on October 21; Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
10510 N. 83rd Ave at Osuna Park
