National Farmers Market Week kickoff event scheduled for August 4, 2016
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Join the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown Program and the Maple Grove Farmers Market on Thursday, August 4, 2016 to kickoff National Farmers Market Week. The Maple Grove Farmers Market (MGFM) opens at 3:00 p.m. and event festivities begin at 3:30 p.m.
The kickoff celebration will include the first-ever Minnesota Grown Three Minute Try-athlon – a series of fun games showcasing locally grown produce. Two teams of three individuals each will compete in the games. Minnesota Grown spokesperson and former Olympian Carrie Tollefson will captain Team MDA, and Maple Grove City Administrator Heidi Nelson and Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Stifter will co-captain Team Maple Grove. Children under parental supervision will be invited to participate in the fun. The Try-athlon and other festivities will kick off National Farmers Market Week, which runs August 7-13.
“Farmers Market Week is a great time to visit a local market and celebrate all that markets bring to our community,” said Jessica Miles, Agricultural Marketing Specialist with Minnesota Grown. “Many markets have additional celebrations during this time for children and adults. The event at the Maple Grove Farmers Market will be fun and is a great, free family event. Markets are also great way to connect with local farmers and purchase local fresh produce, flowers, meats, and other products. ”
Minnesota Grown will also host an informational booth with free Minnesota Grown Directories, stickers and giveaways. The Maple Grove Farmers Market will provide samples of fresh, locally-grown produce throughout the day. The event will also feature live music from Tim Cheesebrow from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Search the online Minnesota Grown Directory to find a farmers market near you at www.minnesotagrown.com/member-directory; or explore the Minnesota Grown event calendar at www.minnesotagrown.com/calendar/ to find fun events in your area. Free, printed copies of the Minnesota Grown Directory are available by calling 1-888-TOURISM (1-888-868-7476).
The Maple Grove Farmers Market is located at 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311. For more information about the market and its vendors, visit www.maplegrovefarmersmarket.com.
CONTACT: Margaret, MDA Communications
651-201-6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us