Galax Farmers Market 5 and 6 September

Howdy, partners! We've had a busy week of growing since last week's storms and Labor Day holiday, and hope this finds you rested and healthy. Our farm has been busy turning old crops under, sowing cover crop seed, picking the warm-weather-lovers, and nursing the baby lettuces along with misting and shade cloth. I remember this time last year I was afraid of the cooler weather, thinking I would run out of time before I got everything done, but this year I am looking forward to the slower pace and comfort foods the off-season brings. Something we had for dinner this week that I thought you all would be interested in- on Monday, Greg made us Lebanese meatballs with Mountain Memories Farm's ground grass fed lamb. He chopped onions and garlic, added the lamb, and seasoned it with coriander, cumin, salt and pepper. After forming the (very cute) meatballs with a small ice cream scoop, he pan-fried them in a little canola oil, drained on paper towels, and served! I have not really liked lamb in the past, but I have to admit to eating about a half-dozen of them! They also made a very nice sandwich filling the next day. Another note of interest this week is the Master Gardeners of the Blue Ridge at our market. You may know them as David and Sara Byrne, vendors of sunflowers and delicious produce, but they are also Master Gardeners and are currently recruiting for this fall's session. If you or anyone you know is interested in the MG program, please stop by and see them for information. OK, now on to the weekend's selection! Of course, I will be there: Groundswell Farm, here in Galax, will have tomatoes, snap beans, stir-fry greens, and potatoes.(Friday) The aforementioned Byrnes, with Glenwood Methodist Church, will have cucumbers, zucchini, gourds, pumpkins, garlic, butternut squash and surprises! They will attend both days. Earl Cherry from Elk Creek will be with us on Friday, with green onions, sweet corn, and jalapeno peppers. Dawn Rhudy of Mountain Memories Farm, also in Elk Creek, will bring her grass fed lamb, fresh brown eggs, and beef from Grayson Natural Foods. She may also have some pork from Crosscreek Farm in Sparta- try the sausage, it's really good! Dawn will come both days this weekend. Bonita Nichols from Galax will have her fresh banana nut, pumpkin, and apple breads this week, also, and she'll attend Friday. Our stalwart vendors Kenneth Walker and Leroy Guynn are also bound to attend, with their usual variety of baked goods and fresh vegetables and fruits. Hopefully we'll see Robert Dalton this week as well, and possibly Clifford Pendry from Ennice, NC. As always, we are seeking fun folks to liven up our mornings at the market: everyone from musicians to seed-savers, flower arrangers to cloggers! Or is it flat-footers? :) Sheep shearing demonstration? Antique apple scions to sell or trade? Budding entomologist with a crazy insect collection? As you can see, I am open to ideas and suggestions! Anything related to this wonderful area and it's agricultural heritage is fair game, so come see me if you have an idea or connection to share. One final note about our market: you may notice that we share some of our vendors with the farmers market in Independence. I would just like to be clear about the relationship between Galax and Independence- we are not competitors! We have the same goals- to support local growers and benefit our respective towns. If there is something you're looking for that is not at our market, and I know it's available at Independence, I will send you that way. Likewise, many of our vendors split the weekend with the Galax Market on Fridays, and the Independence Market on Saturdays, and this is perfectly fine. Please attend whichever market you can; the bigger picture is benefiting our local economies and supporting each other. OK- off the soapbox and on to destroying yellowjacket nests in the tomato patch! After lunch, of course.... Thanks, y'all, and see you soon! Sara Fridays 9-1 Saturdays 8-noon