“You Gotta Do This”, is a compilation of the weekly radio Program, hosted by Barry Barbe on KJZA – 90.1. Each week, we go on a different High Country adventure, as we explore our little corner of the world, and the people and businesses that make it all happen.”

This past week we visited the Prescott Farmer’s Market, located in the parking lot of Yavapai College. Anyone who has been in Prescott for a period of time may remember the Prescott Farmers Market at various locations downtown.

My personal favorite market location was South Cortez. The tree lined street and Victorian house made for a quaint and true hometown feel. As the market grew, so did its need for a larger venue, increased parking and ease of access. That’s when Yavapai College stepped up to become the new home to the Market.

“Yavapai College has been a great partner in the growth of the Farmer’s Market” reports Erin Lingo, Market Manager for the last several years.

We sat down with Erin in the middle of the bustling market, acoustic music in the background, shoppers walking their dogs and a range of shoppers, from young kids in strollers to families out for their weekly gathering. Both Erin and I likened the experience to something you might find in the enclave of a larger metropolis, or even a rural English Farm Community.

“The market is self supporting, and we actually operate three markets in the area, the Saturday Market in Prescott from 7:20 -12, Tuesdays in Prescott Valley, 3-6 at the Entertainment District, Thursdays 3-6 at Bonnefire Grille in Chino Valley. Vendors pay 10% of their sales to the Market to keep and as a weekly rental, “stated Lingo.

Some vendors such as Whipstone Farms, Chino Valley Farms and Molly’s Tamales are all from Yavapai County, while other vendors are from out of the area, but use locally grown produce to create their offerings.

Cory Rade, with Whipstone farms reports that this year has been one of the best the Market has ever experienced. “The season started a little late, but fortunately, we had the right crops in for the weather, and we’ve really had a great season” says Rade. “The market is more than a market, folks come out here to meet friends, have a cup of coffee, visit and catch up.”

“Turnips, Tomatoes, Greens and Basil are all coming off the vines right now, and the next week or so, we’ll begin seeing Peppers, Squash and other items” as he sums of the harvest so far.

One of the most striking items at the market this season is the addition of a mere cornucopia of Flowers.
Shante Rade, also of Whipstone Farms, sat down and discussed the benefits of locally grown, organic, or fresh florals.

“People don’t realize that the majority of flowers purchased in the grocery store, or local flower shops come from quite a great distance, and out of country where insecticides, and chemicals are used in the growing process. A lot of these chemicals are not even allowed to be used in our country to grow plants. But, since people are not eating flowers, as they do vegetables, they don’t think of it.”

Shante is now supplying flowers for wedding s and other special occasions. A great alternative to mass produced florals. The colors are vibrant and they have a whimsical and nostalgic feel.

We also received an education on Heirloom Tomatoes from Kate over at Chino Valley Farms.

“The primary difference with the Heirlooms, and tomatoes that you buy in the grocery store, is that the grocer’s tomatoes have been bred for ship-ability to market. When this happens, the tomatoes are bred to have less sugar, therefore less flavor, but last longer during shipping and on the shelf.”

“Heirlooms come in a variety of colors, are often shaped with distinct large crevasses, are not as resilient to disease, but have incredible texture, flavor, and character.” Reports owner Kate O’Connor – Masse.

We concluded our day by sampling Tamales, Freshly Baked Breads from the Crossroads Café, visiting rescue dogs at the United Animal Friends Booth, as well as reminiscing about “The old days”, which were only a few years ago.

It’s great to see that in an area with so much change and growth, one thing has remained constant, and supported by the local community. Erin, Cory, Kate and all the guys out at the market provide more than fresh, healthy vegetables. They provide a respite from the norm. An opportunity to connect as a community, and to quite simply experience one of the several reasons we all choose to live here. IF you haven’t been, you’ve got a few months left to get out there, and all I can say is “You Gotta Do This!”

-Join us next week, as we go Kayaking with Dave Wheeler from Manzanita Outdoor. Have a great week!

For more info go on line:
www.Prescottfarmersmarket.org
www.Chinovalleyfarms.com

“You Gotta Do This” airs Saturdays at 11, Sundays at 12:30 on the KJZA network. Kjza.org