11/17/2009 4:37:00 PM Sedona Community Farmers Market now hosting its first Winter Season
The Sedona Community Farmers Market is proud to announce its first Winter Season.
Launched Nov. 15, the Winter Market is now open Sundays noon to 4 p.m. through March 28 at the Sedona Airport by the Overlook.
When the idea of a Sedona Farmers Market was first tossed around in the beginning of the year, it was not clear whether or not there were enough local growers to even start a market. The market went ahead anyway and organizers are proud to say “it was built and they came,” locals and visitors alike. The Sedona Community Farmers’ Market successfully completed its first summer season on Oct. 9.
Each Friday morning this summer the market featured an average of 35 vendors, local musicians, and special appearances by Jasmine, the market’s goat mascot at the airport. It proved to be Sedona’s very own celebration of local flavor. Not only could you be sure to see new and old friends at the market, each one who came was able to build relationships with the farmers and the foods. Food became more than a commodity: the heirloom tomatoes, the fresh delicious fingerling potatoes, the beautiful eggplants, the farm fresh eggs, the local musicians, and all the delicious delights that the vendors provided gave us a reason each week to celebrate.
The conversations that arose around the food – whether it was about recipes created or stories of meals shared – also helped to create a sense of community. Food has always been about sharing, and sharing creates community. The foundation of a community is the relationships formed that are based in reciprocity, equality, respect and kindness. Now more than ever, it’s important to strengthen these relationships and renew our sense of place around shared values. Some new relationships were even established between growers and Sedona restaurant owners.
The market is also an opportunity to assess local food pathways. Eating local food not only reduces our carbon footprint but is also usually more nutritious as it is freshly picked and brought to us on the same day. In order to expand those pathways and continue to build our local food supplies long-term, we are excited to announce the Winter Farmers Market.
This winter venue will continue to support the local growers who already grow year round, and hopefully will encourage new growers not only locally, but also from warmer Arizona regions who will bring up their fruits, lettuces and other fine vegetables. This is the only Winter Farmers Market in Northern Arizona.
A common concern for most people is whether or not the farmers at the market use fertilizer or pesticides. As part of the application process to sell at the market, all growers are asked to submit their farm practices and philosophy. Farm inspections are carried out and all growers have to submit a crop plan for the season to assure authentic local quality and natural growing practices.
The location at the airport has been well received and the weather gods have been mostly supportive. The heat in August kept some people away and so a future second evening summer venue in 2010 is being discussed at this time.
For more information, please contact Katrin Themlitz, founder/director, at katrin.themlitz@gmail.com or call (928) 821-1133.
