From Farmers Markets to Farm to Fork events, the region has a fantastic array of local produce. Comments by Renee Patrick.
 
Yes the growing season is short in Central Oregon, and yes our acidic volcanic soil is great at nurturing tubers and not tomatoes, berries and the juicer side of fruits and vegetables, but that doesn’t stop the fantastic array of local farms from producing tasty items for the many farmers markets and farm to table events in the area.

The desire to eat local and fresh produce and meats has never been more apparent in our high desert population. Most of the communities in the area have farmers markets each week: Bend has the downtown market in the Brooks Ally on Wednesdays from 3-7pm, Fridays in the St. Charles parking lot from 2-6pm and in Northwest Crossing on Saturdays from 10am-2pm.

Redmond attracts farm fresh produce and natural products and crafts every Tuesday from 2-6:30pm in Centennial Park, in Prineville find the market on Saturdays from 8:30am-12:30pm, and in Sisters, visit Barclay Park on Fridays between 3-6pm.

The mash-up of delicacies for the July 21 Farm to Fork event feature Fields Farm, Maragas Winery, 10 Barrel, Chef T.R. McCrystal from Jen’s Garden, Dancing Cow Farm and non-profit partner Central Oregon Food Policy Council. Through an evening of sharing stories, meeting farmers, brewers and wine makers while enjoying a five-course dinner, local foodies can feel even more connected to the incredible array of gourmet options these dedicated folks are able to produce. http://www.farmtoforkevents.com

Hope to see you this summer with berry juice on your fingers and a smile on your face!