Scottsdale Old Town Farmer's Market is back

November 6, 9:51 AMPhoenix Farmers Markets ExaminerSarah Parkin

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After months of waiting for the heat to subside, The Old Town Farmer’s Market in Scottsdale returned last Saturday. The familiar vendors are back, and the market has nearly twice the number of vendors as last year. From herbs to melons, salmon to apple butter, or jam to goat cheese, it is at the market.

Chef Becky of The Herb Box offered samples of an orzo salad made with wild arugula and sweet Italian peppers from Seacat Gardens. Carl Seacat stood by to share information about his specialty melons, the Rampicante Zuccherino and French Charentais. “Give this a whiff,” he said as he held out a melon to interested shoppers. The melons were sold out by 10 a.m.

Brown’s Orchard was quickly selling out of their grass-fed lamb, which they also sell to Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco. They say the lambs graze among the fruit trees on their 34 acres near Willcox.

Double Blessings goat farm, which sells lotions and soaps, bring along a portable pen to house their Alpine goat kids, which charm both children and adults.

See slideshow of great market photos.

A new feature this year is the Farm Sessions. 10 lucky ticket holders join a local celebrity chef as they shop the market for fresh local ingredients and then prepare a dish. Participants will leave the market with a market shopping tote bag full of the same ingredients used to make the dish for two people, a recipe card, and a shopping/resource list. The Farm Sessions take place near the La Vida Locavore truck in the middle of the market. The chef scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 7th is James Porter of Old Town Scottsdale’s charming and innovative Petite Maison. Porter is a leader in the local sustainable food movement. For tickets or additional information, go to www.sotfm.com/The_Farm_Sessions or www.thefarmsessions.com.

Kids are welcome at the Kids Korner, which will host a different activity, event, or craft project every week. On November 7th, participants will make green eco-crafts made out of recycled materials. On November 14th, the Desert Botanical Garden will provide see packets to decorate and plant. On November 21, Daniel Davis, creator of Steam Crow LLC, which makes stuff for monster imaginations, and the author of three children’s books, will demonstrate drawing techniques and read from his book, “After Halloween”. On November 28, kids who bring an old T-shirt can make an art piece for their room. All ages, including adults, are welcome. Kids Korner runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Old Town Farmer’s Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through May 29th, 2010. It is located on the corner of First Street and Brown Avenue in old Town Scottsdale. Convenient and Free parking is provided in the underground garage, nearby streets, and adjacent lots. Well behaved pets are welcome. Bring along reusable tote bags to haul home the goodies.

For more information, go to www.sotfm.com. For information about additional farmer's markets, go to: Sarah Parkin, Phoenix Farmer's Market Examiner

Photos by Dave Parkin, Sparkin Productions.