FIRST THINGS ENCORE
Something Fresh Farmers markets open
Something Delicious
Virtual Baking Show to raises funds for scholarships
Get your baskets and eco-friendly bags ready because the area’s outdoor farmers markets open for business this month. The Kalamazoo Farmers Market, which begins its season May 1, will be held at a new temporary location, Mayors’ Riverfront Park, 251 Mills St. The market’s usual location, on Bank Street, is undergoing a major renovation, which is expected to last the duration of the 2021 season. The market will be open from 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays, and the layout will be similar to that of the Bank Street location but have room for 30 additional vendors. Starting in June, it will also be open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and noon-5 p.m. Thursdays. The popular night market, held the third Thursday of the month, will also begin in June at the new location. For more information, visit pfcmarkets.com. The “Fresh on Q” Farmers Market in Texas Corners begins its season May 8 at 7110 West Q Ave. The market is open from 8 a.m.–noon Saturdays through Oct. 16 and 4–7 p.m. Tuesdays from June 1–Aug. 3. The Portage Farmers Market will open for the season on May 9 at Portage City Hall, 7900 S. Westnedge Ave. The market is open from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. every Sunday until Oct. 24. All three markets will be taking precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including requiring masks, providing hand sanitizer at entry points and practicing social distancing.
8 | ENCORE MAY 2021
Dough won’t be the only thing getting raised in Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Virtual Baking Show May 13. The online program will also raise funds for student scholarships at KVCC. Chef Cory Barrett, co-director of KVCC’s culinary arts and the 2019 Food Network Spring Baking Champion, and KVCC President L. Marshall Washington are teaming up to make a chocolate sweet potato tart during the 30-minute baking demonstration. The program will also include messages from past scholarship recipients and members of the KVCC Foundation Board. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at kvcc. edu/foundation.
Something Theatrical
Civic offers livestreamed performances
Those who’ve been missing live theater will be glad to know the actors at the Civic Theatre are treading back onto the boards with two livestreamed plays. Performances of Almost, Maine, which began April 30, run through May 6. The play, by John Cariana, explores love and loss in a remote, mythical town through nine loosely connected stories. Show times this month are 7:30 p.m. May 1, 5 and 6 and 2 p.m. May 2. Later in the month, you can romp along with Robin Hood and the Heroes of Sherwood Forest, as the Civic Youth Theatre presents three livestreamed performances, at 7:30 p.m. May 14 and 2 p.m. May 15 and 16. This Randy Wyatt adaptation of the well-known story combines characters and elements from several medieval texts and gives them a modern twist. Tickets for each play are on a name-your-price basis, beginning at $5. For tickets or more information, visit kazoocivic.com.
