Week 16: A is for Autumn, Apples, and Acorn Squash
Ok, so it’s not quite autumn yet (the first day of fall actually coincides with next week’s market). But, as I write with mug of tea in hand, its presence is certainly starting to make itself known. So as we say “see you next year!” to peaches and berries, please join me in extending a warm welcome to our good friends apples, apple cider, and acorn squash, all of whom will make an appearance this week. There’s even been talk of sweet potatoes… come find out for yourself!
I’m in awe that more than two-thirds of the way through the 2010 season, the Crossroads Farmers Market continues to grow. To date, we’ve already distributed over $20,000 in Fresh Checks, a 25% increase over last year’s record-breaking season, to 949 households. And we’re not slowing down– 49 new families participated in the program last week! As demand increases at the market, we’re committed to also increasing supply. Please stop by tomorrow and give a warm welcome to our two new vendors! Engaged Community Offshoots (ECO), a PG-county based urban farm and close partner of the Crossroads Farmers Market, is bringing honey (it’s a must try– I’ve already given three jars as gifts) and phenomenally flavorful bagged greens. We’ll also be joined by a Guatemalan prepared foods vendor, bringing tacos, tostadas, horchata, atol de elote, and other delicious snacks. Let us know what you think!
Speaking of good food and good fun, please mark your calendars for our upcoming Mark’s Kitchen Third Tuesday fundraiser– Tuesday 9/21, 9am-9pm!!! 10% of all proceeds from the day will go directly to the Crossroads Farmers Market. We hope to see you there with family and friends in tow!
Crossroads Summer Concert Series: If you’ve missed the Malian music this summer, you get one more chance! From 3-7 pm this Wednesday, the air will be filled with sounds of traditional music from Mali, West Africa. It’s worth heading to market just for the free concert– Musician Cheick Hamala Diabaté and friends are coming to put on a show!!
Musician Cheick Hamala Diabaté is recognized as one of the world’s masters of the ngoni, a Malian traditional instrument. A sought after performer, lecturer, storyteller and choreographer throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and Canada, Cheick Hamala mastered the ngoni, a stringed lute and ancestor to the banjo, at an early age. His international performing career has included performances at the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Cheick Hamala shares the oral history, music and song of his culture as it was passed on to him from birth by his parents.
As always, we’ll be open Wednesday 3-7pm at 7676 New Hampshire Avenue, rain or shine. Looking forward to enjoying a lovely end of summer afternoon with you!
