The cooler temperatures have pushed the produce back a week or two, but it’s starting to become more and more available as we head into the last part of June.

Today, the farmers market will be having their Strawberry Festival. At the market you will find entertainment, strawberries and ice cream, and the Hayward 4-H will also be serving a strawberry desert. As always, there is a county fair type of atmosphere at the market for people to stroll through the vendors and you will find plenty of things to eat on the way. 

This is the time when the strawberries ripen. There be will many vendors with locally grown, fresh strawberries for  sale, but get there early, as they will go fast.  

Ask the merchants about recipes, how the food is grown and how long it’s available. All of the vendors are professionals that are more than willing to share tips and secrets about their products. The more educated a consumer is about their food, usually the healthier they will eat.  

The surrounding community is very fortunate to have the farmers market. There are many diverse vendors selling items such as garden produce, flowers, grass-fed beef, eggs, herbs, baked goods, crafts, clothing, naturally raised pork, elk meat, bedding plants, jam and jelly. All items are grown locally. Most days at the market there is entertainment as well as sandwiches and soda for sale. 

Buying locally has many advantages. Not only are you helping out local merchants and the local economy, but the produce, baked goods, meat and eggs are fresh grown in this area. It is a priceless asset to have this available to the community. If you haven’t made a trip out to the north parking lot on Broadway Avenue on Wednesday from 4 to 6 and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon you’re missing out.