Florida Farmers Market opens Tuesday, June 12

FLORIDA — On its opening day, Tuesday, June 12, the Florida Farmers Market will host live music, demonstrations by Cornell Cooperative and a local chef as well as a variety of local produce and homemade food products .

The market will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In her press release announcing the opening date, Market Manager Louise Schultz wrote: “The Florida Market holds a special place in our community. It furnishes a service by offering the customers a source of quality, locally grown produce and homemade food products. It promotes healthy eating, good nutrition and serves to provide a center for agricultural information.

On opening day, a trio of world-class musicians who call themselves “Tonic, will perform between noon and 3 p.m. Consisting of guitar, fiddle and bass (plus vocals), their repertoire is an eclectic mix of bluegrass, folk, Celtic, country and tasteful pop.

During this time, a local establishment will provide food and beverages for purchase.

In addition, representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension-Orange County will explain nutritious ways to prepare seasonal crops; a food demonstration by a local chef also will be scheduled.

Upcoming events The Florida Farmers Market also has coordinated three on-site events during the season with the Florida Public Library:

July 17: Teen Chef Challenge is schedule for kids 4th grade and up. This program will be assisted by Local Chef Peter Sullivan, BOCES teacher, professional chef and former restaurateur (registration required at the Florida Public Library: www.rcls.org/FPL/).

July 24: Children’s Day . Local Author Alan Lewis will read his book, “I Grew Up on a Farm.” Two other guests also will make appearances. There also will be crafts and activities for young children.

Sept. 11: The adult program is scheduled between 12:30-3 p.m. Charlotte’s Team Room, Warwick, will be onsite to talk about teas and food accompaniments to different teas. Additionally, Claudia Bandelier of Knitswiss will have handmade knitted items for sale, demonstrations, and talk about some of the classes she has for the experienced and not-so experienced knitters.

Also August: Music and arts series, featuring artists and musicians each week.

August: Amateur photo contest using the theme: “From Dust to Dawn.”