New Era Farmers Market begins June 27

New Michigan Fresh Cooking Show to serve up Spicy Asian Roasted Asparagus

The New Era Farmers Market kicks off its season June 27 from 4-7 p.m., which is right around the corner. The market is located at 1820 Ray Ave. in New Era. Our mascot, Raye the Scarecrow, along with the sign, will be on the corner as usual to remind people it is market day and to point to the market. Plan on coming for dinner. There will be three hot food vendors: Deb’s Cafe, Country Dairy and The Artisan.

Agewell Services will be there from Muskegon to sign-up qualifying seniors for the Senior Market Fresh Program. This year, qualifying participants will receive $30 in coupons to buy free produce anywhere that accepts Senior Market Fresh. We will have $4 in tokens to give out to both seniors and kids to purchase produce. We also accept SNAP benefits and DUFB. Please remember that DUFB is capped at $10 this year.

New at the market this year will be the Michigan Fresh Cooking Show from 4-5 p.m. Oceana County MSU Extension Nutrition Educator Lisa

Fleury will teach this cooking class June 27, and “Spicy Asian Roasted Asparagus” will be featured. The recipe will be given at the end of the show. SNAP participants are highly encouraged to sign-up, and you will receive a free meal kit following the class. To register for the class, please call Lisa Fleury at MSU Extension, (231) 873-2129, ext. 6866. Please leave a message. The deadline to sign-up is June 20. Take-home kits are sponsored by Molina Healthcare.

June 27 is also the annual bike rodeo from 4-5 p.m. Children should bring their bikes, and there will be an obstacle course, free bike helmets from Trinity Health Injury Prevention, free flags donated by Riding with Ryan and a drawing to win a bicycle.

The entertainment starts at 5 p.m. and features the Red Eye band. The market wraps up at 7 p.m.

The market dates for the rest of the summer are: July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22 and Sept. 12.

It’s Bittersweet...

Jean’s Herbs & Things is changing hands, and Jean is retiring. Anna, the new owner, is willing to carry my products for those that wish her to, along with her own variety of merchandise. There will be a closing sale June 19-23 & June 26-29.

A big thank you for being loyal, for sharing information, comfort in words when needed and most of all to the new friends I have made.

Hesperia

Coming soon to 140 N. Division in Hesperia

The Circus is coming to Hart

The Culpepper & Merriweather Great Combined Circus will be in Hart for four shows next weekend. Look for the Big Top at the Oceana County Fairgrounds. Showtimes are 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24, and 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 25.

The circus is sponsored by the Oceana County Agricultural Society. Tickets are available now at the following locations: Hansen Foods (3750 W. Polk Rd. in Hart), Merten’s Farmhouse Market (230 E. Polk Rd. in Hart), Up North Farm Market (3890 Monroe Rd. in Hart), Tri-County Feed Services (4670 1st St. in New Era) and Cherry Hill Super Market (424 N. State. St. in Shelby). Ticket prices are $13 for adults and $8 for children, and all shows sold out the last time the circus came to town. Those who wish to attend are encouraged by organizers to get their tickets soon.