Mark Your Calendars: Crossroads Farmers Market is (almost) Back!

With spring in full bloom, we’re knee-deep in preparations for our 4^th season, beginning June 2, and for our ceremonial opening on June 16. Mark your calendars! Once again, market will be Wednesdays, 3-7pm. Here’s the latest on our tremendous off-season and plans for 2010:

* We’re moving! While we love the community we’ve built on Holton Lane, we’re thrilled to announce our new location in front of 7676 New Hampshire Avenue. Just across the street from Holton Lane, this space will provide us with a safer and more visible market location. If you’re considering a housewarming gift, we’re currently looking for a picnic table, chairs, two tables, 8” x 11” plastic sign stands, and Quickbooks Non-Profit edition. We look forward to welcoming you into our new home!

* Market representatives participated on a Maryland Department of Health planning committee for the new WIC Fruit and Vegetable Checks (FVC), an exciting new benefits program that provides eligible families with additional fresh fruits and vegetables. We’re delighted that Maryland has joined the list of states accepting FVCs at farmers markets for the 2010 season!

* With funding from the Kellogg Foundation and Project for Public Spaces, the Crossroads Farmers Market has partnered with Engaged Community Offshoots (ECO) to launch an urban farmer apprenticeship program. Selected participants will spend a year working at ECO’s Edmonston urban farm and gaining skills to launch their own for-profit small farming enterprises. Look for ECO at the Crossroads Farmers Market starting in late July or August!

* Thanks to a grant from the City of Takoma Park, the Crossroads Farmers Market and Rolling Terrace Elementary School have partnered to create the “Healthy Eating Crossroads” initiative, a series of farm-to-table educational activities, including farm visits, field trips to the market, and nutrition and agriculture workshops for kids and parents.

* The Crossroads Summer Concert Series is back, thanks to support from the Takoma Foundation! Once again, local musicians will be sharing sounds from around the globe every Wednesday evening. Contact us if you’re interested in performing!

*And, perhaps most importantly, we have an all-star lineup of vendors for 2010. Returning vendors Sligo Creek Farm, Chapina Bakery (Guatemalan baked goods) and Jireh Restaurant (of the famed pupusas) will be joined by: Truffula Seed Produce, Tuckey’s Mountain Grown, Musachio Produce Farm, Three Springs Fruit Farm, and Cazuela Bakery (Mexican and European baked goods). A few spaces for local artisans remain—spread the word!

In one last piece of great news, Kaiser Permanente and the City of Takoma Park are generously funding this summer’s Fresh Check program! However, we’ll need significant signage and website upgrades to direct shoppers to our new location. We are also fervently working to continue the free market transportation for area senior citizens, a valued part of our program that may not continue this season without incoming funds. Please consider supporting these efforts! We welcome donations by check or PayPal.

We’re so grateful to each of you for your continued support. As always, we welcome any feedback, interested volunteers, or questions. Wishing you a wonderful spring, and we can’t wait to see you in June!