Commissioner Farmer invites Kentuckians to celebrate Farmers’ Market Week.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 28, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696



FRANKFORT, Ky. — Farmers’ market customers can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and other attractions to go with Kentucky Proud foods at their favorite markets during Farmers’ Market Week Aug. 2-9.

First Lady Jane Beshear and Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer will commemorate the week at the Lexington Farmers’ Market Aug. 5 at noon. Several other markets have scheduled special activities during the week to honor Kentucky’s 120 farmers’ markets. The celebration is sponsored by the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association.

“Farmers’ markets are a great source of fresh Kentucky Proud fruits and vegetables,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Many also sell canned goods, meat, dairy products, crafts, flowers and other products. Those products are made close to home by your friends and neighbors. I invite all Kentuckians to go to your local farmers’ market and see what all the excitement is about.”

On Aug. 2, Paducah’s Downtown Farmers’ Market will stage a scavenger hunt for kids and cooking demonstrations for adults. Customers at the Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers’ Market can enjoy a bluegrass band, a beekeeping demonstration, pony rides, a magician and other activities. Local chefs will compete in a cook off at the Beechmont Open Air Market in Louisville using items from the market. The Lawrence County Farmers’ Market will host cook offs for youths and adults.

The Phoenix Hill Farmers’ Market in Louisville will offer live music, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and special customer appreciation gifts for everyone who spends more than $10 at the market during its Farmers’ Market Week festival Aug. 5 from 3-6:30 p.m.

The Rockcastle County Farmers’ Market customer appreciation event will be held Aug. 6 in conjunction with the Brodhead Little World’s Fair. Vouchers for produce will be distributed to customers. Pressure canning equipment will be given away and tested, and information on pressure canning will be offered.

On Aug. 9, 4-H members will display their projects at the Woodford County Farmers’ Market.

Kentucky’s farmers’ markets rang up more than $8 million in sales last year despite an April freeze and a summer drought.

Many other markets are planning Farmers’ Market Week activities. For more information, go to the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association Web site, www.kentuckyfarmersmarket.org.

—30—

For more information about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's farmers' market program, click here.


Here is the complete list of Kentucky Farmers' Markets.


Visit Kentucky Proud here.