On August 8th, the market was visited by Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Mike Pechar. Mike was joined by a number of other regional officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. They were also joined by our State Representative Joe Preston. Mike presented a proclamation to recognize the market and gave a short talk about the importance of farmers markets to our communities. It was a really nice event, and we greatly appreciate the recognition. One of the officials in the delegation was Jean Kummer who is the Deputy Press Secretary for the Department. Jean is a Butler County native and from a farming family. She took some great photos at the market and posted them to the web site, so check them out! http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/EventPhotos.aspx?navid=47&parentnavid=0&AID=504 **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Obviously this is a prime time to visit the market as there is an amazing quantity and variety of local produce and fruit available. There are a few items to note: The farmers have started to grow some really wonderful varieties of heirloom tomatoes. These are the really funky varieties that look odd, but taste incredible. If you have not tried any of these varieties, I highly recommend that you buy some. They are a little more expensive that the regular varieties but are definitely worth it. Melons- the local cantaloupes and watermelons are really in their prime. You must get bring some of these home for the kids. Buy a few extras and share them with your neighbors. The peaches season is also very good this year. I buy them by the basketful. I took a chip basket into the office and was a hero. Veggies- there are too many to mention. I tried the broccoli from Kistaco Farm. At only $2 a pound, I bought a few pounds. We steamed it on Sunday and ate it all week. Greenawalt's had some wonderful white corn. *************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** And who can forget about the meat. The Kennedy's will have some great cuts this Saturday. In addition to the usual offerings, the Kennedy's will have fresh lamb and canadian bacon. As far as the lamb, you need to call out to the farm ASAP to put an order in since it is selling out in advance. Please order via phone only. Please call all orders in to the farm #724-898-2316, from 9am—9pm on Mon-Fri. ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Please come out to visit the market this Saturday. Try some of the Certified Organic Olive Oil from the California Olive Oil Bar to use with your fresh vegetables. David Lagnese ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot. The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.