It is important for a farmers’ market to stay open as scheduled and we are hopeful that our patrons will slip on their galoshes, open up their hearts, wallets and umbrellas, and join us on Saturday morning. “We are all ready for warmer, dry weather but these April showers (and those last few winter flurries and hail) are all part of the inevitable, sporadic mix of sunshine and moisture that help our local producers grow what they do best.” So, here's a springtime weather wish for a perfect balance between the two!

Expect the Unexpected

It’s hard to stay away. Springdale Farm is returning to help us celebrate the culmination of MCWFM’s season two. They will have cool weather spinach, lettuce and (perhaps) scallions. Judy Stone and her sister Paula Puntenney from Brightonwoods Orchard are making a special trip to Milwaukee with their award winning apple cider. Here’s a chance to place several gallons in your freezer for those sultry days of summer. Katie Hedrich from LaClare Farms is traveling down to Milwaukee with two new versions of her family’s acclaimed Evalon goat cheese, one flavored with fenugreek and the other with cumin. She will also bring Saxon Homestead Creamery’s aged cow’s milk cheese from her mentors (and our full season vendors), Jerry and Elise Heimerl. I placed a request for some bottled goat milk, so fingers crossed. In addition to their sensational elk antler dog chews and lean elk meat, Golden Bear Monarchs Elk Farm will brighten our market day with gerbera daisies, geraniums and (for good measure) some bedding plants.

Customer Appreciation Day

We are grateful throughout the season, but especially this Saturday

· Thanks to the generosity of Charles McGonegal from Aeppel Treow Winery we are able to offer a bottle of pear wine vinegar to the first 24 customers who come to the MCWFM information table. Limit of one bottle per family
· Century Farm House will have a free travel-size bar with every soap purchase of $10.00 or more
· Dominion Valley Farm offered a $10 gift certificate that was won by Ken L.
· Eden’s Market 10% off of all purchases
· GBM Elk Farm 10% off of any purchase, including a special selection of flowers and bedding plants
· Mia Famiglia $1.00 off the purchase of 3 pastas. With each purchase Mia Famiglia will also provide a "10% Off Certificate" for their Hales Corners restaurant
· Valentine Coffee Roasters – buy a cup of coffee and receive 10% off a lemon bar from Water House Foods
· Water House Foods will offer promotional specials on a variety of baked goods that incorporate ingredients from other vendors – Bavarian pretzel rolls, pancetta parmesan rye, sun-dried tomato and fresh herb sourdough bread, sorghum power bars, and savory scones with spinach, cheddar and onion
· Wisconsin Soup Company will help fend off a chilly start to spring, $10 for any of their handcrafted soups

Postscript: Four customers whose names were drawn from entries submitted 2 weeks ago have been notified and will be able to redeem their MCWFM gift certificates on April 30th. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Imagine the Possibilities

In terms of the quality and range of products they offer at farmers’ markets, I can think of no finer example of a Wisconsin mushroom grower than River Valley Ranch and Kitchens. Founded in 1976, River Valley Ranch is a third generation family farm and the oldest mushroom farm in the Midwest. River Valley Ranch operates on 37 acres in the small unincorporated community of Slades Corners; specializing in five varieties of mushrooms: portabella, cremini, white button, shiitake, and oyster. All farming at River Valley is done using organic growing practices* without the use of any chemicals, growth enhancers or pesticides. In addition to fresh mushrooms, River Valley Ranch also grows a limited variety of vegetables that are used in the production of an amazing assortment of prepared foods – handcrafted salsas, pasta sauces, bruschetta toppings, pickled vegetables and dips. *Organic certification pending

Several vendors are unable to attend this week due to family obligations and Amy-Mae Miller from Thymely Herbals would like you to know that you can now place online orders at www.thymelyherbals.com