Page 41 - the NOISE June 2012

UP FARM FRESH
RUSTLIN’
$2,400,000 additional dollars would be added to our community, and an increase of $926,000 would be created in additional local wages. Those ain’t no small beans, friends, and the impact can start right at Thursday’s Farmers Market in Old Town.
According to Wikipedia, “Local, fresh food is more likely to foster health and prevent illness than heavily processed foods.” In a world where those of us running towards health are running from acidifying factors, such as stress, cigs, meat, pasta, and chemical-laden Frankenfoods, having a healthy option close to home that supports that local economy swings our pH levels to the alkaline in form and stress-free function. With local efforts such as the Cottonwood Community Garden and the Verde Valley Agriculture Coalition ( VVAgC), everyone can put their power in the dirt and start manifesting goodness.
The VVAgC’s mission is to “cultivate a sustainable agriculture renaissance in the Verde Valley by providing the leadership and collaborative network to establish and maintain an integrated agricultural system, which significantly contributes to economic viability, food safety and security, and overall quality of life and community.” This was shared in a June 19th lunch event where JoJo & Kayla Brashears of Thyme & Again served lunch and photos, alongside CEDC Director Casey Rooney, Kimber Lanning of Local First Arizona, farmers Tanya Baker and George Kovakovich, and even a USDA employee Jason Kepler, who spoke on funding.
It Ain’t Just About Munching What other Farmers Market finds make us
music. A very relaxing setting.” I love seeing Ms. Windham’s glass hearts strung about town. I know one the moment I see it, her signature love being spread.
One of the younger entrepreneurs of the Market is 13-year old Rue Livingston. She offered Hair Shimmers for just a few of the Markets last year, and will be back again to beautify. For a mere $1 per strand, you can choose from a selection of sparkling hues that mimic the rainbow. Color that lets you change your mood from week to week, I love having them put in for the attention, and the gentle hands working away on my scalp.
Hand-dipped incense by IliAya, the new company name of Andre Ayande, will sell at Market this year as follow. Favorites will be available, such as Champa, CocoMango, Plumeria, Amber, Egyptian Sandalwood, Gardenia, and Patchouli. I appreciate his beautifully colored and unique packaging, which makes them an instant gift. As Mr. Ayande says, “It smells so good, you don’t have to burn it!”
According to Kyla Allen, the Adopt for Life Center for Animals, will have a booth this year. In addition to items for sale to raise funds for our furry friends, there will also be plenty of public education information. “We always have a book, showing photos of all the animals for adoption,” says Ms. Allen.
Groovin’ to the Market Music
If these weren’t reason enough to get yourself out to the “Park Behind City Hall” starting this Thursday, July 5th, then the musical line-up should also help inspire. Opening act for the season is Toucan Eddy. As described by their website, they are, “a combination of ‘old school’ funkiness, Latin
BY ANNABEL SCLIPPA
happy, feel beauty, and alkalize our minus-
the-decimal-logarithm-of-the-hydrogen- influences, smooth love ballads and a
ion-activity (AKA pH) selves? Be-jewel-ment, bewilderment and be-lovelies. Past Farmers Market purchases in my home include coral beaded elastic bracelets, glass hearts of swirled pink, peaches and gold streaks, and hand-dipped incense that make your sniffer go wow.
Moraine Windham of Luminous, LLC has been crafting glass for nine years, and selling at the Old Town Farmers Market since 2005. One of those fortunate enough to see the location transition from the parking lot by the Tavern to the park, Ms. Windham says, “It is absolutely fabulous. I love it.” And about when selling locally? “Little effort and low overhead and I get to mix with the people I know. It is its own little society. You might see people you don’t see anywhere else, except the market last year. It’s not just about the selling. It’s the people and the really great
few surprises thrown in to keep things interesting.”
Come enjoy this Summer’s free music line up with Redland, Decker, Los Guys, Tramps & Thieves, Major Lingo, Sky Daddy, The Knuckleheads, Mods, Black Forest Society, Jed Morrison, and Flash Molasses.
2012 Farmers Market is produced by the City of Cottonwood and is located at 791 N Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood. The market features a unique and extensive selection of organic food, local specialties, fruits, crafts and vegetables from various local vendors. Hours are July-September, Thursdays, 5-9PM.
| Annabel Sclippa can oft be caught with a ripe vegetable in her hands. quillandpaper@gmail.com
thenoise.us • the NOISE arts & news magazine • JULY 2012 • 41