Farmers markets bring fresh local goodness

With summer solstice just around the corner, fresh local produce is beginning to show up at farmers markets around the Mat-Su.

Bushes Bunches Stand, just outside Palmer on the Old Glenn Highway, remains open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The landmark market has spent the offseason increasing its inventory of locally produced goods, while relying on Charlie’s Produce to supplement its vegetable stocks.

On any given day, shoppers can find locally baked breads, pastries, and cookies alongside sauces, pasta, flour, seeds, meat, fish, eggs, and milk all made or harvested in Alaska.

This time of year plant starts can also be found there, along with colorful hanging flower baskets. Fresh arrivals from Rempel Family Farm include organic arugula and Mizuno greens, along with Magic Myrna and Yukon gold potatoes.

Those will be joined this week by newly harvested radishes from the Bush farm.

Matanuska Community Farmers Market

The popular Wednesday evening market kicked off its third year on June 11. Located on Denali Street in downtown Palmer, the Matanuska Community Farmers Market offers direct access to sustainable naturally grown vegetables.

The market has seen tremendous growth in its short life, with 300-700 shoppers attending each week last year. That growth is expected to continue this year, so new vendors have been added.

In addition to the usual array of farmed goods from local growers, shoppers can find baked good from two microbakeries – Delaney’s Sourdough and Bradley Lake Bakery – locally roasted small-batch coffee beans from Aethereal Coffee, and salmon fillets and patties from Palmer’s North Soul Salmon.

The market runs from 4 to 7 p.m. each week in the parking of the United Protestant Church, also known as The Church of a Thousand Trees. It will continue into the fall, with October and November markets held indoors at the church.

Moonstone Farm

Located at 2141 S. Church St., behind the KOA campground (formerly Big Bear RV park) off the Parks Highway frontage road, the farm traces its roots to the 1930s Colony Project and is owned and operated by John Church, grandson of the original owners, and his wife, Michelle. This year, the first farm market will be Thursday, July 3. As has been the custom in previous years, markets will run through the summer on all subsequent Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m.

Aside from vegetables, Moonstone Farm features artists, coffee roasters, and other vendors, as well as the occasional food truck or two. An assortment of salad greens are usually plentiful early in the season, as are peonies and hay in 50-pound bales. A full range of produce will become available over the course of the summer.

For those who can’t wait til July to visit the scenic farm with spectacular views of Pioneer Peak and the Chugach Range, Moonstone’s tasting room opens for the season on June 19 in the refurbished 1943 Alaska Railroad boxcar on site. Visitors can sample Alaska-brewed beers, ciders, wines, spirits, and nonalcoholic drinks while taking in the views of the farm and mountains from the deck.

The tasting room will be open Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m.

Sun Circle Farm

Located on Farm Loop Road outside of Palmer, Sun Circle is gearing up to launch its Tuesday roadside farm stand under the hard-to-miss big purple roof. Check Sun Circle’s Facebook for details about what’s available and when the stand will begin operation, but the hours will be the same as in previous years, 4 to 7 p.m. The stand will operate through late September or early October, depending on weather and product availability.

Wasilla Farmers Market

The popular weekly market is back this year. It runs on Wednesdays through September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the west end of Iditapark, near the corner of Nelson Avenue and Weber Street.

In addition to an assortment of local farmers, the market also features artisans, crafters, and food trucks.

Willow Farmers Market

This year’s market opens Friday, June 20, and runs weekly through Sept. 5 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Willow Community Center. Shoppers will find fresh local produce, baked good, gourmet foods, and Alaska-made products.

Parking is free and live music is often part of the weekly lineup.

Friday Fling

The downtown Palmer street fair has been a hit with residents since its inception more than two decades ago. As summer progresses, the volume and variety of freshly harvested local vegetables will increase, taking their place alongside the crafts, entertainers, and food trucks that have made this event a local favorite.

Friday Flings continue through Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.