FARMER’S MARKET DEBUTS

Customers, vendors pack Sahuarita Town Hall plaza

From outward appearances the town of Sahuarita’s Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market brought an abundance of joy to vendors and patrons — and to organizer Sue Payne.

The Town Hall Courtyard Plaza was a perfect venue for more than two dozen vendors who set up along both sides, giving shoppers a full view of all there was to see.

The Sahuarita Town Hall Courtyard Plaza is at 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way.

There were jams and jellies, plants and produce, tortillas and tamales, baked goods and barbecue and chipolte sauces, soaps and seeds, cucumbers and Fair Trade coffee, herbs and spices, plus goodies like divine donuts, Italian ices, gelato, Kettle Korn, pecans, honey and Mexican pastries.

Residents started arriving before the 5 p.m. opening and by 6, the courtyard was packed.

Outreach Coordinator Sue Payne said, “I’m so, so pleased. There’s lots of excellent vendors and plenty of visitors who are buying, which makes the vendors happy.”

Patrons stood in line to buy fresh-from-the-farm produce—onions, garlic, scallions, carrots, beets, squash plus a fresh selection of peaches, pears, plums watermelons, limes, mangos and coconuts.

Anne Duncan of Tubac River House Farm sold her organic-only, chemical and pesticide free produce, and young Alexis Barr sold fresh lemonade with all proceeds going to The Animal League of Green Valley.

The Gelato Dessert Caf/ featured mango, passion fruit and lemon sorbetto plus French vanilla and chocolate gelato. On this hot, hot Wednesday afternoon it was a cool refresher.

Debbie Mechigian, who shared a booth with co-organizer Kenn Goldman of the Dragoon Market and Caf/, featured some of her finely crafted jewelry.

Richard Roth offered Queen Creek Olive Oil from the only olive farm in Arizona—the Queen Creek Olive Mill. “No chemicals or pesticides are used to extract the oil,” he boasted.

Two-foot-long unusual-looking Armenian cucumbers were offered at $1 each and were being scooped up.

Garnet Myers showcased his sandstone art, the Desert Oasis Soap Co. featured Arizona Outback Emu oil, and Pat Cervantes offered a rack of comfy rayon dresses from India. Simple and loose with fine detailing, they seemed ideal for these hot summer days.

The Heather James-Thomas quartet provided music, bringing a festive atmosphere to this spirited outdoor event.

Judging by the numbers of patrons, the packed parking lots and people waiting in line to pay for produce and goods Sahuarita’s Farmer’s Market can be summed up in one word: Successful.

Join the event Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Payment in cash is appreciated.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net