Farmers Market to be Held at Third Street Location Again This Saturday

Saturday is the last day of the Muskingum County Fair and the Zanesville Farmers Market will once again move from its home at the fairgrounds to Third Street between Market and Shinnick Streets.  This venue provides a nice change of pace for vendors and customers alike.  Vendor spaces are taken on a first come first served basis downtown, so without the usual assigned spots, a vendor will likely end up next to someone new.  This allows for more conversation and camaraderie among the vendors.  Customers seem to enjoy the change of scenery as well.  Last week many people commented on how much they enjoyed shopping at the market’s downtown location.

            The county fair always comes right as produce season is reaching its peak.  With so much picking to be done, it is hard to squeeze in time to attend the fair. However, I wouldn’t miss going to the fair at least once or twice, no matter how much work is stacking up at home.  Monday night I convinced some of my friends to participate in one of my favorite events of the fair—the 5 P’s contest.  This event includes games such as pizza eating, pie eating, and potato peeling contests.  I thought I stood a fair chance at the potato peeling contest, where the winner is determined by who can peel the most potatoes in ten minutes.  No fancy potato peelers are allowed; just good old-fashioned paring knives.  Consequently, due to hasty peeling methods, one of my friends gouged his hand with his knife.  One of my less competitive friends put down her knife to come to his aid, but as I’m rather ashamed to admit, I kept right on peeling away.  Alas, even my lack of compassion did not help me to place in one of the top three slots.

            The end of the county fair marks the beginning of the school year.  The children seem to go back to school earlier and earlier, with most area schools starting just a couple of days after the fair is over.  When the hustle and bustle of the school year begins, it is easy to forget about shopping at Farmers Market.  However, as I already mentioned, this is the time of year when the produce is the best and most abundant.  So please take time to come and shop on Saturday mornings.  Also, don’t forget that there is another opportunity to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables in the middle of the week at the Wednesday Farmers Market in the Welcome Center parking lot on Fifth Street from 3:00-6:30pm.

            Here is a light and healthy recipe to try as you are feeling guilty about over indulging in fried treats at the county fair (from The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook.)

Steamed Summer Squash with Warm Leek Vinaigrette

·         2 green and 2 yellow patty pan squash (or 2 zucchini and 2 yellow crookneck squash)

For the vinaigrette:

·         2 Tbsp. olive oil

·         1 leek, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

·         1 Tbsp. vegetable stock

·         1 Tbsp. rice vinegar

·         1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

·         ½ tsp. salt

·         ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

Trim the stems off of the summer squash.  Cut in half, then cut the halves into ½ inch slices.  Set aside.  To make the vinaigrette, in a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the leek and sauté until soft, 10-12 minutes.  Remove from the heat and stir in the vegetable stock, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Cover and keep warm.  Meanwhile, in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch water to a boil.  Add the squash, cover, and steam until tender, about 10 min.  Transfer the squash to a warmed serving dish.  Add the vinaigrette and toss gently to mix.  Serve immediately.