Offering not only fresh food but also music and art to unite the community in a festive experience, the annual Certified Farmers Markets is returning to several locations across the Valley this week, the Indio Certified Farmers Market posted on Facebook.
"Bring your reusable grocery bags and your appetite because the Certified Farmers Markets are back, bigger, and better than ever before," according to the Indio Certified Farmers Market at Bliss Avenue and Towne Street. "Thanks to the support of each city and community, each market hosts local artisans, chefs, food vendors, farmers and musicians to cultivate a space that brings the community together."
Some of the mouth-watering treats are handmade hummus, freshly-baked bread, fresh fruit and veggies, gourmet sauces, olive oil, chips and dips, line-caught seafood and farm-raised meats, honey and fresh-squeezed juices. Other attractions include jewelry, handcrafted leather goods and clothing, natural health products, skincare and soap, candles, cards and cutting boards, all from local vendors.
Though summer was time off for the markets, opening dates are set for this Thursday through Sunday in Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Old Town La Quinta and Indio.
The farmers market will be hosting its first opening date in Indian Wells on Thursday followed by Rancho Mirage on Friday and finally Old Town La Quinta and Indio on Sunday. The schedule is as follows:
Indian Wells: Southwest Church, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., 44-175 Washington St.
Rancho Mirage: Rancho Mirage Community Park, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., 71560 San Jacinto Dr.
Indio: Indio Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 45235 Towne St.
La Quinta: Old Town La Quinta, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 78100 Main St.
Those who attend are likely to go home happier and healthier, but the Certified Farmers Market is looking beyond the individual experience. According to Facebook, its mission is "to bring farm-fresh food to the table, connect with farmers and educate residents on the significance of knowing the people who grow the food we eat." In line with this goal, chefs at local restaurants are encouraged to connect with and ask farmers about setting up a wholesale account to pre-order produce or freshly squeezed juices each week. Those who connect with farmers in this way could benefit from cross-promotion through the Certified Farmers Market, according to the post.