Final Two Weeks for the Downtown Farmers Market: Plenty of Produce, Annual Pumpkin Festival and Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest

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MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact: Danica Farley
Downtown Alliance
Phone: (801) 419-9544

Final Two Weeks for the Downtown Farmers Market: Plenty of Produce, Annual Pumpkin Festival and Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest

What: The finale of the Downtown Farmers Market and autumn harvest celebration—activities on the final Saturday include the annual pumpkin festival and Howl-O-Ween pet costume contest.

“We haven’t had a freeze yet and there is nothing in the forecast, so we are still picking peaches and tomatoes thanks to the cool, wet spring,” said Thayne Tagge of Tagge’s Famous Fruits. “Visit us the next two Saturdays and Tuesdays at the market for some of the best produce of the season.”

“If you haven't delved into preserving food yet, you've got a few more chances to stock up and buy things in bulk directly from the grower,” said Ryan Gray, market assistant manager. “There is absolutely nothing quite like busting out a jar of tomatoes in December for a delicious memory of summer, or defrosting berries for ice cream in January, or chomping through pickles in March.”

When:          
Saturdays, Oct.  15 and 22, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays, 18 and 25, 4 p.m. to dusk
Saturday Oct. 22: pumpkin decorating 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., pet costume contest 9:30-10 a.m.

Where:
Historic Pioneer Park, 300 South 300 West

Special Event Details:     
Dress up your favorite furry friends for the Howl-O-Ween pet costume contest. Registration is $5 and includes a goodie bag. There will be winners in 3 categories plus Best in Show. Sign up at slcfarmersmarket.org.

Children can decorate a pumpkin from the patch and paint, glue, feather and glitter free of charge. Look for this activity at the Center Plaza of Pioneer Park. There are hundreds of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Choose from warty, colorful, Cinderella, Happy Jack and more.
         
What's Fresh?
It’s a rare occasion, but we have yet to experience a true freeze this season. This means you can still find bountiful crops like: apples, pears, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, grapes, melons, plums, prunes, tomatoes, tomatillos, sweet corn, peppers (sweet, bell, hot, and extra hot), onions (red, white, Spanish, green), potatoes, garlic, squash (zucchini, butternut, acorn, spaghetti), beans (green, purple, yellow), cucumbers (pickling, lemon, slicers), cruciferous (broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi), eggplant, beets, radish, carrots, greens (arugula, salad mix, spinach, herbs), and fresh-cut flowers.

Check the map to see what vendors will be selling this week and where to find them: http://maps.managemymarket.com/357

The free veggie valet service is located on the north end of the park. Shoppers can check in purchases and drive their car right up to the valet to retrieve items.

It’s business as usual at the market, no matter what’s is happening elsewhere in Pioneer Park.

The Downtown Farmers Market—the state’s largest gathering of growers—is open Saturday mornings (June-October) and Tuesday evenings (August-October). It offers a unique variety of farmers, growers, bakeries, prepared food and beverages, packaged foods and local artisans.

The Downtown Alliance is dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture, commerce and entertainment. For more information, visit downtownslc.org.

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Danica Farley | Public Relations and Communications | Downtown Alliance | 801.333.1105