We love teaching our daughters about where there food comes from and our two year old suprised us the other night by naming where a number of different vegetables and fruits come from. Apparently she does listen to us sometimes! For us part of this education involves meeting the people who grown and raise our food whether it is the carrots we had for lunch or the pork we are cooking for dinner. Since we can't always go directly to the farms, and orchards a lot of this education happens at farmers' markets. We visited the Marshfield Farmers' Market last month and loved it so much we wanted to share it with you! Here's a little sneak peak of what is happening at this Saturday's Marshfield Farmers' Market! Maybe we'll see you there! ~Laurie
Marshfield Farmers’ Market
This month, as we are all trying desperately to coax spring into a higher gear, the Marshfield Farmers’ Market celebrates the vernal equinox four days early on Saturday the 16th of March. This time demarcates when many farmers and gardeners begin the spring planting in preparation for the bounty of annual vegetables, flowers and herbs. In celebration we have a special treat at the Farmers’ Market with prepared specialty foods and artistry that highlights the harvest of the farms. Of course this weekend also celebrates the far more recognized St. Patrick’s Day. Either way, green is the color of the day.
If the term “Corned Beef Potpourri” creates strange visions in your head you are not alone. But fear not, Lose Your Manners is using the French meaning of potpourri. It is a stew with a wide variety of ingredients and is this month’s special menu item served on rye bread, or over red potatoes. This is not your average corned beef dinner. Also anticipated will be sizzling sausages at Brown Boar Farm, hot coffee and fanciful cupcakes at Ob La Da Bakery (including their Irish Car Bomb made with Guiness and Bailey's Irish Cream) and more.
Once your stomach has been amply satisfied spend a few minutes with Doug Lowry over near the Garretson Cranberry booth. It is no surprise that he comes from a family full of artists, even one who was art director for the famous Tim Burton. Although art was not his career path Lowry’s talent is clear and his artwork, as a hobbyist, has been found in local gallery shows. A regular speaker at the market with fun hands-on projects, none have been so colorful or close to the heart of the Marshfield Farmers’ Market as this week’s demonstration. Lowry will show the process of creating his 12-color prints of silk screened ink layers designed from hand cut stencils that result in a fantastic full size artwork all about the farmers’ harvest and using it in the kitchen. There will be much to learn and you can even get involved - kids too! He will finish off this latest project allowing market customers to help with inking out the last two colors across the stretched silk screens. This promises to be fun for all. After you have tried your hand with silk screening browse his other prints and handmade cards in the Garretson Cranberry booth or try out one of his CDs. Yes, Lowry is also a fantastic musician.
Speaking of great music, the Market also welcomes back musician Dan Durkee to entertain and fill the space with lively songs that bring back memories. Durkee is always a crowd pleaser with his acoustic guitar and wonderful voice.
If you are into truly natural food sources then check out the sweet deal that Rise and Shine Farm is offering this week. Get 16 ounce jars of raw honey for just $8. This honey comes from Deerfield, MA and like all local raw honey it is full of healthful enzymes, antibacterial and antifungal properties in addition to being deliciously sweet. You can place orders with Marta MacFarland to assure you get all the honey and produce you want and have it ready and waiting at the market. Also taking pre-orders is Foxboro Cheese, Brown Boar Farm, Engelnook Farm and Boathouse Lobster for all your local dairy, meat and seafood needs. Links are on the Facebook page at “Fans of the Marshfield Farmers’ Market”.
Market Information: The Marshfield Winter Farmers’ Market is open the third Saturday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm at the Marshfield Fairgrounds (140 Main St.) Enter either from Route 3a or South River St Entrances. It is held underneath the grandstands. Indoors and heated it offers free weekly demos and kids’ activities, is wheelchair and stroller friendly with easy handicapped parking near the building’s entrance. SNAP EBT cards accepted. www.MarshfieldFair.org/fm.htm
