April, 2018

NAMPA FARMERS’ MARKET opening day is APRIL 28, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.  (YEAH)  Opening Day music will be provided by Mom & Double Image, with the Beet City Bombers Roller Derby Team rolling through the market around 10:00 am or so! 

The Nampa Farmers’ Market vendors have been gearing up for the 2018 market since January.  Of special interest to many people is the question of what produce might be available opening day.  Well, that is dependent on what Mother Nature brings our way.  The word from several produce vendors is that a number of greens (spinach, swiss chard, etc), beets, onions, cabbage, kale, carrots and a variety of other cool weather veggies are sprouting and will hopefully be ready by the 28^th.   There should also be a variety of starter plants available, including, possibly, some raspberry and blackberry starts.

                                       

Can’t forget there should also be asparagus available on Opening Day!  YUM!  Have you ever eaten pan seared asparagus with garlic and lemon juice?  This is such an easy way to prepare asparagus and tastes fantastic!     

Another group of vendors that has been busy all winter is our jam and jelly makers.  They have been processing all those berries and fruits into the wonderful selection of jams and jellies that are available at the Nampa Farmers’ Market!        

                                          

The craft vendors haven’t been sitting idly by, either.  New jewelry designs, embroidery, soaps, doll clothes, yard art, crochet, knitted and sewn clothing, and so many other items have emerged over the winter, it is impossible to list them all.

Mark your calendars for April 28.  You can also keep up with what’s happening at the market by Liking our Facebook page   https://www.facebook.com/nampa.farmersmarket/       and signing up for our blog and Market Manager’s newsletter at www.nampafarmersmarket.com .  SEE YOU ON THE 28^TH!!

It's Our 30th Season!

The Nampa Farmers Market is celebrating its 30th season in 2018. The Nampa Farmers Market has become an integral part of the Nampa community and Nampaoinians J are the core of our market, but our customers come from all over the southwestern Idaho area. Let’s share some info with you.

On August 19, 2017, Ariel Agenbroad, University of Idaho Extension Educator, and Eileen Stachowski, Idaho Farmers Market Association Program Director, conducted an RMA, or Rapid Market Assessment, at the Nampa Farmers Market.

This assessment is just what the name implies—in one hour’s time, 170 market customers responded to a series of five questions about the Nampa Farmers Market using a dot-survey method to answer the questions. The five questions asked in the dot survey were:  “What brings you to the Nampa Farmers Market (choose your top two)?”  “How do you find out about Market and what’s happening each week?”  “How often do you visit the Market and how much on average do you spend when you visit?  Do you stay and shop downtown?”  The market provides a full calendar of activities. Which ones have you made a part of your market experience?”  “Where do you live?”

Buying local is the #1 reason people attend and buy at the Nampa Farmers Market!!!!!  Can you guess the #2 reason people attend and buy at the Nampa Farmers Market?  The farm products!  You are supporting local farms producing the agriculture products you want and need.  This, coincidentally, is our Motto and Mission!

Our Motto: “Quality Products from People You Know”

Our Mission: “The mission of the Nampa Farmers' Market is to provide a venue where local farmers, producers, crafters and artisans come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and locally crafted products directly to the consumer. The market encourages direct communication between consumers and producers and promotes nutritious food choices.  Our goal is to provide support for vendors and enhance the quality of life in the local area by providing a quality community activity which fosters education, entrepreneurship, social gathering, community building and interaction in a friendly, vibrant open air market.”

We at the Nampa Farmers’ Market say thank you to everyone for your support!

Oh, and word of mouth is the #1 way to hear about the Nampa Farmers’ Market, so keep that up. Get our Blog and Like our page on Facebook, too!

Next month our blog will feature recipes and info for some first day of market veggie possibilities (no promises)!!