The Maple Grove Farmers Market is open every Thursday afternoon, rain or shine, through Oct. 18 at the Maple Grove Community Center. Hours are 3-7 p.m. through September, 3-6 p.m. in October.

Here’s the top five Maple Grove Farmers Market finds for Aug. 2. 

• Learn about the power of preservation when University of Minnesota Extension Educator Kendra Kauppi gives a refresher on preserving tomatoes at 4 p.m. Kauppi will demonstrate choosing, preparing, and safely preserving this summer fruit. Market-goers can find samples of canned tomato products from market vendors. Canning resources and information from the Ball Company will also be available at the Market Information Trailer on Aug. 2 and throughout the summer and fall months.

“We enjoyed a whole summer of food preservation and canning events in 2011,” said Market coordinator Carol Morris. “We found that our Market patrons have a great interest in preserving local produce for the winter months.” 

• Find a wide variety of tomatoes along sweet corn, squash, Asian greens, early apples, cucumbers, green beans, fresh-cut flowers, a variety of herbs, carrots, potatoes, and more. Locally produced meats, jams, breads, pickles, eggs, maple syrup, honey, will round out the bounty of local produce.

• Be entertained with live music from the Dean Harrington Trio, playing gypsy jazz, from 4-7 p.m. as well as family storytime at 4:30 p.m.

• Visit the Market Information Trailer for free recipes and sign up for the market’s Frequent Shopper Program.

• Stop for a snack or meal with such as wood-fired pizza, barbecue ribs and sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, Kettle Korn, cookies, Bavarian pretzels, and more.

Feeling green? The Maple Grove Farmers Market has on-site recycling of all beverage containers as well as all plastic items numbered with recycling symbols #1 through #7.

“We’re committed to doing recycling ‘right’ at the Market and are so thrilled with the community support we’ve received,” said Market Manager Kirsten Bansen Weigle.

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