Yes, even The New Boise Farmers Market must have funds to operate. And since it is not privately funded, the funds must come from the public sector. That’s you and me!! So Robin and I did attend. It was held at the Purple Sage Farms outside of Middleton, ID. A beautiful Fall day as you can tell from some of these photos.
Robin and I try very hard to eat local products and we are totally committed to the “Buy Idaho” and “Support You Local Farmers” programs. We are at the New Boise Farmers Market every Saturday and we will follow them indoors on November 2, 2013 to their winter home at the Fulton Street (Boise) location. So we were very pleased when we got the opportunity to attend this gala event at the Purple Sage Farms. Enjoy these photos and please, please support your local farmers. From the New Boise Farmers Market web page,

Vision: The Boise Farmers Market is a community marketplace where local food and agricultural products are available year round and where the community can learn about and become engaged in food system issues. The Market is a catalyst and incubator for local food-related activities in the region, and helps to build personal and community self-reliance.

Mission: The Boise Farmers Market supports a regenerative, healthy food and agricultural system by operating a vibrant marketplace featuring locally grown and crafted products.

Tim Sommer and his son Mike, owners of the Purple Sage Farms and our hosts today, talk to the crowds that were there. Mike loves to work on and with the land. They use only their own compost and their water supply is from the Payette River.

Daughter Ariie Sommer and Grandmother Ava Latteman

Bill Gates, Homestead Farms whose beef were pasturing directly across the road, talks to the folks about his years of experience of raising cattle, among other livestock. Their products can be found at the New Boise Farmers Market, of course, and in Whole Foods here in Boise. It is some very good beef!

Karen Ellis and Janie Burns – Meadow Lark Farms – discuss the program for this afternoon.

Here are some photos of some of the greenhouses that Purple Sage Farms use for winter production of their vegetables and herbs. Temperatures during the summer may reach well above 100 degrees, so they whitewash the outsides to reduce the intensity of the sun.

Greenhouse Row. There are about 15 houses here.

Rosemary and Lettuce

Basil

I think these are carrots.

With all of the available source for different foods, look what they served.

Stuffed Peppers

Delicioso Squash. (I am not a squash fan, but this was delicious!)

Pepper Bruchetta

Kabobs with Zucchini

Hot Dogs

Brats

What a great afternoon! Interesting. Informative. Delicious. Thirst quenching.

Liquid Refreshment is served.