Sahuarita Farmer's Market begins May 7

Special to The Sahuarita Sun

Sand and plane. Hammer and build. Paint—and presto—here’s a hand-made, hand-painted birdhouse for a Mother’s Day gift that’s just days away.

Co-organizer Annie Duncan of Tubac River House Farms said the first 50 kids who show up at Thursday’s first-of-the-season farmer’s market are invited to build a birdhouse from scratch and decorate it in their favorite colors.

This is the first in a lineup of entertaining, hands-on activities that organizers Duncan and Sahuarita Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Sue Payne have lined up for the next 20 Thursday nights.

“Think of it as a day camp at the Farmer’s Market,” Duncan said.

The goal is to bring kids and parents out to the family-oriented market where they can mingle, listen to music, eat, buy locally grown and hand-made products to support vendors while children are having their own fun.

Pine boards, nails, dowels and paint for the birdhouses are being provided by a cooperative effort of Rancho Sahuarita, the Town of Sahuarita and Tubac River House Farms.

Fernando and Veronica Avila of A&M Home Maintenance in Sahuarita will supervise construction, sanding and painting for the junior carpenters. After about an hour kids will have an “I made it myself” gift for mom.

Other activities Duncan and Payne have lined up on coming Thursdays include making maracas with Liz and Jorge Velasquez of Music of the Andes, learning about gardening from Grandpa Gardener, a visit by local fire departments, painting with artists from the Sahuarita Art Guild, joining other kids and playing musical instruments with Amber Norgaard and a night of magic with a slight-of-hand, how-did-he-do-that magician.

“Fifty food vendors and artisans have been invited to the weekly market. There’ll be fresh, locally grown produce including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash and juicy melons direct from vendors,” Duncan said.

Tables and chairs will be set up so families can enjoy hamburgers, Sonoran hot dogs, Mexican favorites, roasted corn and veggies and ice cream while listening to live music.

“I can’t wait for our spectacular Sahuarita summer Thursday nights,” Payne said.

Sahuarita Farmer’s Market

When: Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., for 20 weeks

Where: Sahuarita Town Plaza

Note: Many vendors do not accept credit cards.