June 1, 2009

Farmers market to sprout weekly near Dauch

Thursday (June 4) is opening day for a farmers market on the West Lafayette campus.

Local Indiana growers and merchants will be on hand at the corner of Sheetz and Wood streets, just west of the Dick and Sandy Dauch Alumni Center. The market, sponsored by Purdue Physical Facilities, will operate 3-6:30 p.m. Thursdays from June 4 through Aug. 13.

Items expected at the market include fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams and jellies, fresh kettle-popped corn, homemade crafts, and annual and perennial plants.

The number of growers and amount of produce on a given day depends on the natural progression of the growing season. A Web site about the market includes a vendor directory and produce calendar to highlight which fruits and vegetables are likely to be available. Go to www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/farmersmarket.htm

Michele Wing, human resource specialist in the Physical Facilities human resource office, worked with Greater Lafayette Commerce and with Purdue Housing and Food Services and Business Services to bring the market to the West Lafayette campus.

Wing encourages those who are shopping to bring reusable bags to gather their purchases. Shoppers also can become a "friend of the farmers market" by purchasing a reusable bag at the market for $15. Proceeds will be used to help maintain the market.

In addition, on the market's first day, the Lafayette Regional Blood Center will be on hand with its Bloodmobile for those who would like to donate.

The farmers market on campus will complement other markets that operate in Lafayette-West Lafayette.

Those markets and their hours:

* Lafayette Farmers Market. Open 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays May 1 to Oct. 31 on Fifth Street between Main and Columbia streets in downtown Lafayette. When the Purdue market closes for the season, the Lafayette market will open at 4-7 p.m.
Thursdays.

* Sagamore West Farmers Market. Open 3-6:30 Wednesdays May 6-Oct. 28 at Cumberland Park on Salisbury Street, West Lafayette.

More information about the Lafayette Farmers Market is at www.lafayettefarmersmarket.com. More about the West Lafayette Market is at www.westlafayette.in.gov/department/division.php?fDD=8-164.