Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Bogert farmers market overflows

These "drool-worthy" cards by Bent Fork Photography were among many fascinating items to see, taste, and smell at today's Bogert Farmers Market. These photos particularly interested me because photographer Maggie takes many of them at Montana farmers markets.

Also at today's market, you could admire alpacas . . .

make your own maracas . . .

or stop and smell the flowers.

You could enjoy Nature's Bliss soap in many delicious scents . . .

or learn about healing herbal tinctures by Eaglewood Herbs.

As you wandered around the covered space,

enveloped by live music by talented local musicians,

you could sample fudge . . .

or talk to enthusiastic representatives of the Bozeman Youth Initiative. Today Dacotah told me about the group's mobile greenhouse, a renovated bus that tours Bozeman to teach children about growing plants. He told me he took many of the photos on the website, so check it out to learn more about the greenhouse bus and other exciting projects.

At every farmers market, people-watching is part of the fun. This week I met Mother Earth (right) and her assistants . . .
as well as Mr. Carrot, representing the Bozeman Co-op.

But of course food is at the heart of every farmers market.

There were tables piled high with fresh produce. Here you see greens from Crazy View Farm in Wilsall, almost sold out -- get there early next time!

Refeshing beverages included Le Chatelaine's frozen chocolate . . .

and these tasty-looking punches.

For appetizers, you could choose freshly roasted and candied nuts . . .

or fresh salsa on handmade chips by the Hungry Mexican. Mmmm, tasty!

Made-on-the-spot hot food abounded as well as ready-made treats. How about a piece of sweet potato and Swiss chard empanada pie by Chicken Legs Catering . . .

or Z's gyros or sweet potato falafel. Yum, Zeynep does it again! And, oh joy! Her new shop is opening soon!

If you prefer to make your dinner at home, you could pick up a variety of flavors of Trevino's flour tortillas, made in Billings. When these tortillas are available, I eat them exclusively. Friend Mari, originally from Texas, assures me that Trevino's tortillas are authentic.

I chose dessert from the goodies piled high at this table. I was told the cinnamon rolls and monster cookies go quickly, but I enjoyed a spicy blueberry whoopie-pie. This mother-daughter team likes to experiment and so last week's whoopie-pies were red velvet and before that traditional chocolate. I'll just have to return to see what they think up next!

Indeed, I'll have to come back to try out many of the things I missed at today's market and also to see what's new. I suggest you do the same!


Bogert Park, South Church Ave
Tuesday, 5 pm - 8 pm
June 7 - September 27, 2011

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Big Timber market opens in new location

Due to a short growing season, farmers markets in eastern Montana start rather late in the summer. Today the Big Timber farmers market opened just in time for the Fourth of July and in its new location in the city park at the south end of town.

It was a small market today, but vendors told me that customers were steadily passing through. I arrived at 10 am and saw Tom Tochihara, the 90-year-old Big Timber gardening legend, already packing up after having sold his much sought after spinach and tomatoes.

Sadly, Tom's was the only produce today, but there were plenty of other goodies to enjoy. My personal favorite, maple sticks (also known as maple bars), were back.

Jackie was at market with homemade bread and cookies and her fabulous soap. Her daughter brought pet bunnies for sale, which were very cuddly; here you see one being admired by a young customer.

In addition, there were lovely baskets, potholders, and other crafts all waiting for some lucky buyer to take them home for reasonable prices.

The new setting in the park allows folks to sit in the shade and chat. If you do feel too hot, the park's outdoor swimming pool is a few steps away.

Also new this year is music in the gazebo, organized by talented local musicians. If you just want to come for the music, that would be well worth your time.

There will no doubt be more vendors in coming weeks. Stop by to see what might be happening when you get there.


Big Timber Farmers Market
City park, McLeod and 8th
July 2 - September 24
Saturday, 9 am - noon