Dear Market-goers,
We are so glad to welcome you back to market for a season filled with goods freshly grown, prepared and handcrafted close to home! Celebrate the opening of the season in March at our weekday markets. See opening dates and locations below.
As you stroll the outdoor aisles of market, explore with your senses and see the spectrum of colors at the farmer stands, breathe in the scent of fresh brewed coffee, herbs ready to be planted or hand select a bunch of winter greens picked at their peak and smell their freshness. Listen to musicians play in the background. Enjoy the company of friends and neighbors amid breakfast and lunch options available at the small mobile kitchens throughout market. Market food vendors sure can satisfy diverse palates, since on any given market you may find vendors specializing in everything from Portuguese, Greek, Japanese or Middle Eastern cuisine to wood fired pizza, bagels, sandwiches, and ever-popular hot tamales.
We know there’s a lot of reasons people go to market. Many folks are drawn week after week for grocery items like freshly grown produce, flowers, artisan cheeses, heritage meat and baked goods, others seek unique handcrafted items created by local artisans.
I’ve wondered what else drives people to shop at the market. So, back in 2012, we had a group of SOU students’ survey market-goers. (The student groups did a stellar job surveying by the way). One of the questions, “Do you find farmers markets are beneficial to communities?” resulted in several pages of enthusiastic responses that overjoyed us. Following are a few highlights of what folk had to say:
“It makes shopping for food more fun and REAL”
“Encourages people to eat fresh, local food”
“Being able to ask food producers about their methods, lets me make informed decisions”
“Local vendors keep money local”
“Supports local economy”
“Nutritional value”
“Environmental impact, healthier lifestyle, farm to table lifestyle”
“It’s the backbone of any community”
“…Variety and quality”
“…Family friendly atmosphere”
We look forward to seeing your familiar faces at market and making new market friends this year. Remember all our markets accept credit, debit or EBT SNAP card in exchange for tokens our vendors can accept. For more details about the market, visit www.rvgrowersmarket.com
Tuesdays in Ashland at E. Main & Wightman (Ashland National Guard Armory)
Time: 8:30am-1:30pm, Dates: March 12-Nov 26
Thursdays in Medford at 1701 S. Pacific Hwy (Medford Armory)
Time: 8:30am – 1:30pm, Dates: March 14 – Nov 21
Saturdays in Ashland on Oak St in the Heart of Downtown,
Time: 9am-1pm, Dates: May 4 – Nov 2
Saturdays in Medford at The Commons in Downtown Medford (6th & Bartlett)
Time: 9am-1pm, May 11- Nov 2
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Lori Hopkinson is general manager for the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market. She ardently believes in the Food Routes saying, “Plant your dollars close to home and watch your community grow.” She invites all to become acquainted with those who grow our food, lovingly raise the plants and animals that nourish us and meet the artisans handcrafting fine goods.
