‘Squash the Heat’ Event to be Held at UA Farmers Market

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Homegrown Farmers Market invites Tuscaloosa residents to the “Squash the Heat” themed market on Thursday, Aug. 2, from 3-6 p.m. on the lawn of Canterbury Episcopal Church.

At the opening of the market, chef Rishon Hanners will lead a demonstration of dishes that highlight fresh squash as a main ingredient. Recipe cards will be available for customers to reference when preparing their own dishes at home.

“Squash the Heat” posters designed by Mo Fiorella, market manager, will be for sale at the Homegrown Alabama information tent.  Also available will be other limited-edition posters designed and letterpress printed by local artists, Homegrown Alabama 2012 T-shirts and reusable tote bags.

In addition to the children’s activities offered at every weekly market, there will be a special take-home craft, face painting and squash-themed activities, all free of charge.

Live music will be performed by a local musician.

The farmers market is held Thursdays from 3-6 p.m., April through October, on the lawn of Canterbury Episcopal Chapel on the UA campus.

Some 25 vendors attend the market weekly throughout the season to sell fruits, vegetables, baked goods, beef, pork, cut flowers, coffee and tea, eggs, homemade herbal teas, arts and crafts, soap and canned goods.

Other highlights of the 2012 market season include the availability of designated parking for all market customers, craft vendors every third Thursday, locally grown, all natural grass fed pork, and the acceptance of credit and debit cards, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and Bama Cash.

Homegrown Alabama is a nonprofit, student-led group at UA that seeks to educate students and community members about the value of local produce, as well as to foster partnerships between local farmers, the University and the greater Tuscaloosa community.