Farmers’ Market gears up for back-to-school bash

After the success of last year’s event, the German Coast Farmers’ Market will play host to the second annual Back to School Bash on Aug. 16.

The bash will take place at the East Bank site of the farmers’ market, near the Ormond Plantation. Blanche Newsome will perform at the event, which will also include door prizes, back to school gift bags, face painting and a display by the parish library.

More importantly, however, will be the food. Fresh produce, pastries, breads, rotisserie meats, seafood and dairy products, such as creole cream cheese, will all be available during the bash. As will kettle corn, soy candles, goat milk soap and lotions, homemade salad dressings, wine, pastalaya and stuffed crabs.

“We came up with the idea of a back to school bash because we really wanted to push healthy eating habits for kids,” Ann Montgomery said. “We want to show that you don’t have to travel far to get fresh food and vegetables.”

Door prizes at the bash will include little coolers that kids can use with their meals, while the gift bags will have honey soap, which is made in little animals to promote hygiene. There will also be plenty of honey samples around and kids will learn that a drop of honey on a cracker might be tastier – and healthier – than butter.

The Back to School Bash will begin at 8 a.m. and last until noon.

On Aug. 9, the farmers’ market will also celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week. The Sonny Bee Show will be on hand to supply live music and visitors will be able to sample various vegetables and recipes. The event will also take place from 8 a.m. until noon.

“The market is just a one-stop shop that is right in the neighborhood, which is important with the high cost of gas,” Montgomery said. “It’s a place where you can get your dinner, groceries, snacks and gifts like wine and soap.”