MARKET BRINGS FRESH, LOCAL FARES

The Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market (FFM) has begun its seven-month-long schedule of bringing locally grown and produced foods to downtown Fredericksburg.

The market is celebrating their 14th year of operation.

Every Thursday, rain or shine, from 4-7 p.m. from April 22 to mid-August, shoppers can meet farmers and producers while shopping for fresh produce at Marktplatz.

The producer/grower market consists of farmers, ranchers and wineries located within the geographic neighborhood of Gillespie and adjacent counties, offering a wide variety of tomatoes, vegetables, peaches, blackberries and other fruits, mushrooms, meats, goat cheese, eggs, Gulf seafood, baked goods, wine, vinegar and herbs, as well as flowers.

Shoppers are invited to come for the food and stay for the family friendly party atmosphere where they can purchase meals and snacks while listening to live music.

Pizza baked in a wood burning oven, various dishes, including soups, salads, sliders and pastries are all made with local ingredients and can be enjoyed picnic-style under the pavilion.

Wine from local wineries can be purchased by the glass or bottle and non-alcoholic iced beverages are also served.

Desserts and ice cream are also available.

At the Chef’s Corner, visitors will find free samples prepared by local chefs using ingredients from the market. Chefs and volunteers are happy to “talk shop” and answer questions about how to cook the dish being sampled.

“Meet the farmer, rancher, chef and artisan baker,” said a spokesman for the market. “Support local agriculture and viticulture in Fredericksburg, the community way to shop for great food.”