Back in Session
Fall ornamentals are in at Garden Gate Flowers
Back in Session
The transition from summer to fall can be a little rough for those market goers with school aged children. Getting back to the weekly routine of early mornings and hectic pick-ups / drop-offs, all can leave us looking forward to the weekend.
Thankfully market Saturdays are never too far away to bring back some of that good old summer feeling. With backpacks tucked away, out come market totes ready to fill up with the early September bounty.
Fresh fruit is still out in force, with peaches, apples, pears, melons and now fall raspberries, all ready to be enjoyed and packed away in lunches for next week.
For those looking to enjoy the heat of summer a bit longer, hot peppers are abundant now at market with many varieties available, like the pictured habaneros from Savory Accents or banana peppers from Shoua Vang.
As we reacclimate to the fall schedule, it's nice to know we can rely on our favorites and staples to make the week go smoothly. It's the fresh Dreamfarm eggs, the loaves of sesame semolina from Honey Bee Bakery and the never-failing Murphy Farms cottage cheese that give some stability in the transition days.
The busier schedules of fall not withstanding, it is the time of year to add a bit more to your load by canning up batches of tomato sauce, salsa, pickles, sauerkraut and more. The market is your go-to spot for case loads of fresh tomatoes, pecks of cucumbers and heads of cabbage bigger than our own.
Moving towards the weekend, we hope to see you all out at a (hopefully rain-free) market, enjoying those free and fleeting fall days in which an early start to market beats racing to the bell any day.
See you at market!
Ben Zimmerman
Market Manager
Polls Open for America's Farmers' Market Celebration
American Farmland Trust and the Farmers' Market Coalition are offering a share of a $10,000 prize to the winners of their favorite farmers' market poll. Market fans can vote for the Westside Community Market through September 19th.
Cast your vote here:
We thank you all for your neverending support!
In Memoriam & A Call to Aid
It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Paul Bickford of Meadowlark Organics, who tragically passed away from a farming accident on August 23, 2022.
While it's been a few seasons since Meadowlark Organics has been out at the Westside Community Market, we'd like to acknowledge the great work Paul accomplished in his life and the contributions he made to organic grain farming in the area.
Help is needed in Paul's passing and we'd like to share with you all ways in which aid could be of assistance.
Farm-related tasks are still to be done this season and those who are willing or able to help can contact Michael Dolan at michael@sevenseedsorganicfarm.com or 608-444-9759.
Enos Farms is organizing a meal-train as well and those who may assist in that way can find more information at: https://takethemameal.com/NZEG1344
Our hearts and thoughts go out to Paul's friends and family in this time.
Market Notices: September 10th
Swing by the Info Tent and pick up a free Westside Community Market yard sign, or grab one set out in the aisle.
Garden Gate Flowers, George Hoffman (aronia berries), McCluskey Brothers Shillelagh Glen Farms, Rude Brew Kombucha, These Days Juice Co. & Ernie's African Kick Sauce will join us this weekend as daily vendors.
Highland Spring Farm & What Got Gathered will be absent from the market this Saturday, September 10th. They will return September 17th.
Madison Sourdough will be absent from the market Saturdays, September 10th & 17th. They will return to market September 24th.
Flyte Family Farms have finished vending for the 2022 season. They thank all their customers and look forward to returning to market in 2023.
Summer season is “kitten season” for the rescue groups that help the cats and kittens that are unwanted or in trouble. 9 Lives Rescue, a Madison-based rescue founded in 2016, will be at the Market this week ready to tell you how you can help - whether it’s adopting a rescued cat or kitten, making a donation, or volunteering with 9 Lives. They will also try to answer any cat- and kitten-related questions you might have!
Market on the Move in 2023
We've got some big news to share regarding the 2023 market season. Many of you have already seen the news that UW Health is planning on building a new clinic in part of the market occupied lots starting next year.
With construction slated to begin next spring, we're happy to announce we'll be relocating to the MG&E Innovation Center inside University Research Park in 2023. Located about 1.5 miles south of our current location, the new market site will offer room for our vendors, along with ample parking space for our shoppers, as well as a shaded picnic area for everyone to relax and enjoy their market goods while listening to music and taking in those great market mornings.
We'll have more details to come later in the summer, but rest assured that the WCM will remain a great fixture of the west side community for years to come. For the remainder of 2022, you can find us each and every week at 750 University Row into early November.
Donut peaches are in at Door County Fruit Market
Our many thanks to Snaggle Tooth Arts of Wayward Tattoo for the market rabbit graphic!
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