Farmers Market Week Aug 5-11

In anticipation of the United States Department of Agriculture declaring the week of August 5-11, 2012 as the “National Farmers Market Week”, the Governor of Idaho will be making a proclamation naming that week as “Idaho Farmers Market Week” as well. In an effort to bring more consumers to farmers markets across the state, we encourage Idaho markets to plan special events and activities to make the most of this opportunity.  In this toolkit, ISDA has provided ideas and materials to help your market celebrate the 2012 Farmers Market Week. 

Events could include: 

1. City ProclamationHave the Mayor or another city official read a proclamation declaring it to be “Farmers Market Week” in your our community (example proclamation attached).  Combine this with a press release about special activities at the market for an even greater impact (list of press/media contacts attached)
2. Chef demonstrationsChef demos are always a big hit - talk with local restaurants to see if a chef is interested in showcasing fresh local product available at the market in a 15-30 minute segment.  The demonstration can be as simple or as complicated as you desire, but remember to ask the chef to focus on fresh product available that week at the market. 
3. Cooking demos from community membersWork with your local FFA, 4-H and other community organizations to solicit volunteers for brief cooking segments scheduled at main market hours.  Try to include a variety of products throughout the demonstrations and keep food preparation to a minimum.
4. Kid’s activitiesIncluding activities specific to children is a great way to add fun and excitement to your market’s festivities.  Set up an “Idaho Mr. Potato Head” building station where kids can decorate Idaho potatoes with local fruits and vegetables using toothpicks or organize sack races using burlap potato sacks.  You can also take a more educational route and have the kids complete an activity sheet (Examples provided*) that they can turn into the market manager’s booth for a small prize.  Make sure to take lots of photos to use on your website or future flyers and brochures!   

ISDA will be partnering with the Capital City Public Market to feature the winners of the Idaho Farmers Market Recipe Contest at the market on August 11.  I’ll be sending out more information about the winning recipes shortly! Thank you to all who promoted it or participated!

Lacey Menasco

Idaho State Department of Agriculture 

Trade Specialist

2270 Old Penitentiary Rd.

Boise, ID 83712

(208)332-8538