Quick Bites

Farmers markets set to open

June marks the beginning of freshly grown Alaska produce showing up around the Mat-Su at a variety of weekly open-air markets.

The Matanuska Community Farmers Market in Palmer kicked off its season with a pop-up event May 27. The regular weekly market begins June 10 in the parking lot of the United Protestant Church, 713 S. Denali St. It will run every Wednesday through Oct. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. In addition to farm-fresh vegetables and fruit, the market features baked goods, poultry, and eggs.

Moonstone Farm will commence its regular summer schedule July 9, with Thursday and Saturday markets each week into September. Hours are 2 to 6 p.m. The market features seasonal vegetables, herbs, and flowers, as well as farm fresh eggs. Local vendors, from artists to coffee roasters and other seasonal bounties and the occasional food truck will also be available.

The farm is located at 2141 S. Church St., just off the Glenn Highway frontage road behind the KOA campground, formerly Big Bear RV Park.

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 4 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.

Also happening again at Moonstone Farm is the annual Boozy Book Fair, slated this year for June 20 from 2 to 8 p.m. The popular event, organized with Fireside Books in Palmer, will feature food trucks, vendors, live music, and adult beverages from the tasting room.

June 6 is the kickoff date for the weekly Hatcher Pass Community Market. Each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 1, farmers, makers, artists, food vendors and more will gather at Fishhook Bar and Grill, 9231 N. Palmer Fishhook Rd., to sell their fresh produce, handmade goods, local art, and tasty prepared food. There will be no market on July 4.

Located on Farm Loop Road outside of Palmer, Sun Circle Farm is gearing up to launch its Tuesday roadside farm stand under the hard-to-miss big purple roof at 5605 N. Farm Loop Rd. Typical opening is mid-June, but keep an eye on Sun Circle’s Facebook for details about what’s available and when the stand will begin operation. 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.

The annual Wasilla Farmers Market is back this year, too, in expanded form. Formerly just a Wednesday event, this year the market will run on Wednesdays and Saturdays, beginning June 3 and ending Sept. 12.

In addition to an assortment of local farmers, there will also be artisans, crafters, and food trucks. The market is located at the west end of Iditapark, near the corner of Nelson Avenue and Weber Street. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Fridays beginning June 19 and running through Sept. 4, the Willow Farmers Market will be open at the Willow Community Center, Mile 69.5 Parks Highway. From 2 to 7 p.m., shoppers will find fresh local produce, baked goods, gourmet foods, and Alaska-made products.

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

Also on Fridays, Palmer’s Friday Flings are already in progress. An abundance of Alaska-grown vegetables will become available as harvesting allows throughout the summer. Food trucks, other vendors, and live music turn downtown Palmer into a regular street fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each week through 14.

Food trucks and music

If you can’t enough of local food trucks, Wasilla’s annual Music in the Park event kicks off for six consecutive weeks on May 30. The event, held in Iditapark, 594 W. Nelson Ave., is hosted by the city and features live music from 3 to 9 p.m. each Saturday. There will also be a variety of food trucks, local vendors, nonprofits, and family-friendly fun. Vendors and food trucks open as early as noon. Music in the Park is a rain or shine event.

– Compiled by Mark Kelsey