Local Farmers Market.

 I visited the local Farmer's Market this past Saturday and took a bunch of pictures to share with everyone because we are so far north that most people don't realize we can grow things here.

I am in Fairbanks at the moment.  Fairbanks, Alaska is about 155 miles south of the Arctic circle which means we have sun light most of the day.  Although the sun sets, it does not go far enough below the horizon for the sky to get dark.

What you see in the picture to the left are bowls made out of birch trees while the table to the left in the photo offers hand made wooden spoons, salad forks, and other accessories again made out of birch.  Birch is a very popular and sturdy wood.

The lady in the photo to the right offers starts every spring.  She makes a point of using heirloom varieties with short growing seasons because if you grow tomatoes outside, they are often killed by mid-August due to frost.  If they are grown in a green house, they often make it to mid-September before they die.

This picture was taken from just outside the main building looking out across the market.  Originally, the Farmer's market occupied a small area on the state fair site but the market grew so big, they had to move because there was absolutely no parking available when events were happening.  So they bought land, moved the main building and put in a parking lot.

There is a great mix of artists, carvers, soap and lotion makers, food, yarn, and so much more.  The Farmer's Market has its own stand where they sell t-shirts labeled "Alaskan Grown".

This photo is of an artist who makes what looks like stained glass magnets but they aren't actually glass.  They are absolutely beautiful.  I bought one for the Bride and Groom of a wedding I'm heading for later this week.  I also purchased some birch kitchen things for them.

There are even four bakeries at the market.  One makes only cupcakes that you can request a specific frosting and the second produces Eastern European goodies.  Another makes all sorts of baked goods like croissants and the last produces all sorts of Japanese sweetbreads filled with mochi or sweet red bean paste.  All of these bakers produce some great foods.

Of course you can get all sorts of starts such as cabbage, tomatoes, flowers, and you can even find some cucumbers, radishes, and early lettuce at this time.  Usually most vegetables to be raised in greenhouses to be ready this early.

In another few weeks, people will be offering more.  If I'm lucky, the lady from the hot springs will show up with cantaloups, watermelons, and eggplants.  She and her husband use the hot springs to power their greenhouse. When they offer cantaloupe they sell out within 30 minutes of the opening.  Their produce is always so popular.

The above picture is taken across the market towards the vender parking lot.  The regular parking lot can get so busy that it's totally filled within one hour of opening.  I'll be sharing more photos of my upcoming trip.  I'm leaving tonight because I'm heading down to help one of my relatives celebrate her 90th birthday.  Her husband is 95 and still doing well.

I'll keep you posted.  Hope you have a great day.  Let me know what you think.