Even though the cool, wet weather has slowed farm and garden production, the selection at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market continues to grow. Each week, organizers are seeing more of both long-standing and new vendors bring all the finest flavors of the season. Saturday's shopping hours are from 7 a.m. to noon. at 121 Orange St.
The Hot Springs location was one of six farmers markets in the state recently chosen to pilot the CDC SNAP Double Bucks program. The program kicks off Saturday and for a limited time, shoppers can have market SNAP purchases doubled for up to $20 each week. Many vendors accept SNAP at the Saturday market, providing the local community a wonderful opportunity to "Get Fresh" for their families. Patrons may purchase weekly groceries while also stretching their food dollars.
And guests shouldn't miss Claire's Clay and her eye-catching selection of stoneware pottery. Claire Green CoeudiVez first became attracted to pottery in the south of France, where she discovered she liked the idea of taking formless clay and producing interesting utilitarian pieces. A few of her customers' favorite items are her garlic roasters and beautiful baker dishes. All of her pottery is food, oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Pieces are available in a variety of compelling shapes and colors that will be sure to delight.
Mug Shots Express is another welcome addition to the market. Serving up coffee that has been freshly roasted in Fayetteville, Stephen and Abby Fryar use all natural flavors from Pink House Alchemy and top things off with fresh cream. They also offer iced coffees, Italian sodas and honey lattes. Mornings can get a jump-start with a cup of freshly brewed coffee to awaken the day.
Chicago native turned Hot Springs local, Tony Nardi, knows his way around the blues scene. He began his musical career around age 17 and has played with multiple bands and renowned musicians throughout his career. He has been featured regularly in numerous local musical festivals, including the Spa City Blues Fest and Hot Springs Jazz Fest, where fans applaud the sounds of his bluesy piano tunes. Nardi performs at many local venues and plays the grand piano for Embassy Suites Hot Springs -- Hotel & Spa. He will begin playing at the market at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Garland County Grows, a program offered by the innovative Garland County Library, hosts a booth most Saturdays during the summer season. The goal of the program is to educate, encourage and inspire the collecting and sharing of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds. All 2015 Garland County Grows seeds are from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, so their quality is verified. The goal is to have lots of people growing, collecting, saving and sharing in the community. For those needing gardening tips for their new seeds, the Garland County Master Gardeners are on hand to help.
The first Youth Market of the summer season is May 30. There are still a few spaces open for ages 8-18. Guidelines and more information can be found on the website, http://www.hotspringsfarmersmarket.com.
Team Farm Tub 2.0 brought home the bacon in last week's Stueart Pennington Running of the Tubs. Visitors to the market are welcome to stop by and congratulate all the runners for winning Best Overall Tub.
The Tuesday market continues this week from 4-7 p.m. at the pavilion. Parking for either day is available north of the market on Orange Street or south on Broadway Street.
Entertainment on 05/22/2015