Sierra Vista Farmers Market Vendor Update for 7-15-2021 – –

A Day in the Life Of – The Sierra Vista Farmers’ Market

A Day in the Life Of – The Sierra Vista Farmers’ Market

By Uncle Ralph (Wildermuth) 14 July 2021

Tomorrow the Farmers’ Market opens at 10AM and closes at 2PM.

You have probably heard this phrase before, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” That is a catchy phrase uttered by a French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, in the January 1849 issue of his journal Les Guêpes (“The Wasps”). “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.” Translated it means “The more it changes, the more it’s the same thing.”
I would like to wax philosophical for a moment. Everything is in a constant flux of change, but somethings, even though they change, look exactly the same. That is the effect on our “reality.”

An example might help. Being at Niagara Falls you might watch the falls from the Canadian side and see torrents of water flowing over the edge and falling to the river below. Returning 10 years later, you would probably see the same thing, then compare it to the picture in your mind from the last visit and say nothing has changed. Your reality sees no change. Hopefully you realize that everything about the falls changes every second of the day. Your reality however, is based on what you see, hear, or read. If everything looks the same, it appears to not have changed in your mind.
But what if you had come to Niagara Falls on March 29, 1848 and looked out across that same expanse? You would have seen the 3,160 tons of water that fall over the falls, frozen solid. Lake Erie had frozen that year and caused an ice dam that kept water from reaching the falls. Your reality at that moment would have noticed the change.

I experienced this conundrum a few days ago and I will explain why shortly, but for now I would like to talk a little about a healthy snack that my niece loves, popcorn. She happens to love White Cheddar Popcorn.

Anyone who has ever gone into a movie theater has smelled the aroma of fresh popcorn. But have you given any thought to how it came about? The cultivation of corn probably dates back about 9,000 years ago, but it took until 2012 for archeologists to find the first evidence of popcorn, in Peru: 6,700-year-old corn cobs studded with puffed kernels. The fluffy popcorn we know and love today is, in part, the result of thousands of years of careful cultivation of a few different strains of corn through the years.

Corn and popcorn, grown and cultivated by early Americans, ensured that it was part of hundreds of thousands of people diets for the next several centuries in the USA. By the 1800’s the invention of the plow transformed Midwestern agriculture. Corn and especially popping corn, became such an important cash crop that it was dubbed “prairie gold”.

Making popcorn is easy, a pot over a flame. Popcorn’s real rise began in 1885, when Charles Cretors invented a lightweight electric machine to make popcorn using kernels in oil. This opened the door for commercial vendors to brand their own popcorn. Iowa’s Albert Dickinson Co., sold kernels under the names Big Buster and Little Buster, appearing in the 1880s.

With the beginning of the microwave, the fitness wave, the popcorn wave, 1981 brought us the first version of microwavable popcorn; it contained perishable butter and required refrigeration. Another version, by Pillsbury, even came frozen.

Enter Orville Redenbacher, the agricultural scientist, a Purdue-educated farmer who became famous for tinkering with hybrid varieties of corn. In 1965, Redenbacher and his research partner, Charlie Bowman, created a hybrid kernel called “snowflake” for its shape and the ability to expand to up to 40 times its original size.

Microwave popcorn lost favor and all-ready popped gained popularity after a 2008 study found that a chemical used in artificial butter flavoring, diacetyl, was linked to Alzheimer’s and lung damage in industrial settings. Even the bag itself was flawed in that it was lined with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), linked to a respiratory condition dubbed “popcorn lung”, suffered by many microwave popcorn factory workers. These findings made ready-to-eat popcorn a staple that seems here to stay.

Kettle corn, as we know it, pre-dates popcorn, arrived in the colonies in the late 1770s. While the Germans and Dutch, as the two most likely places, argue over the origins, European immigrants brought kettle corn with them to America. Dutch Pennsylvania diaries provide the first historical reference of this popular product. Incidentally, history also references cowboys of the Wild West creating kettle corn using molasses and honey.

Herein lies the difference between popcorn and kettle corn, sugar. Popcorn and kettle corn share many of the same ingredients, salt, oil, and popcorn kernels; what makes the difference is the preparation and the flavor. While popcorn can be made in almost any container, even a microwave, kettle corn is made in well, a cast-iron kettle. The second difference is that kettle corn adds sugar to the ingredients. Adding sugar therefore requires constant stirring to avoid burning the sugar. The extra work provides a sweeter treat.

What better, to go with a bag of kettle corn, than a healthy blended drink made of fruits or vegetables called a “smoothie.”

Smoothies are not an American invention as; the Mediterranean, Eastern, South American and Latin American cultures were already enjoying pure fruit drinks for hundreds of years. But in the USA, it was not until the blender was invented by Steve Poplawski in the 1930s that smoothies quietly made their way into American culture.

We can thank lactose intolerant Steve Kuhnau for making the name “Smoothie” a household name. In 1973, he founded the first Smoothie King branch. Since then, smoothies’ recipes have changed the drink into a healthy drink touted as a healthier alternative to the milkshake. Not only do we now have fruit-based smoothies, we also have other ingredients such as vegetables, milk, vitamins, and supplements.

As I began this topic, I mentioned how things can change and not change, well the Crazy Coyote fits right into that reality for me. As I walked around the Farmers’ Market dozens of times each Market Day, I noticed that the Crazy Coyote was always there in the same spot, with the same rack of kettle corn bags hanging in front of the trailer as always. The windows and counters displayed with the same menu of items at the same prices as always. The same loyal customers appearing as they always do. The same email address and phone number displayed prominently on the tailgate of the concession trailer. I thought nothing of it. All is the same.

You can imagine how shocked I was to find out that, unbeknownst to me, there had been a major change. While everything was exactly the same, it was different. It was under new ownership! I walked up to talk to Jeff and discovered he was no longer the owner and Crazy Coyote was under new management.

But after nine years of Crazy Coyote being with us, that is the only change that has happened. They still have the same great kettle corn that comes in small, medium and large bags, the same great organic fruit flavored Smoothies or those made with almond milk, greens, and a touch of sweeteners, and the same great friendly service. All at the same great low prices.

I talked with Paul Barker who with his wife Lisa purchased Crazy Coyote from Jeff on April first of this year. Paul, an insurance agent by trade, lucked into this deal when Jeff, his client, mentioned he wanted to sell the business. Paul jumped at the chance and bought it. Jeff stayed with them for about six weeks making sure that Paul and Lisa learned the business and contacts needed to carry on the reputation Jeff had perfected over the course of his ownership. Their son Zac and his girlfriend Annabelle help his parents do the two farmers’ markets, here and the one in Green Valley, since both Paul and Lisa have other full-time jobs.

Paul and Lisa decided not to change anything, from pricing to how the business operates. Keeping the status quo that Jeff had founded. They also do other events and festivals and welcome requests to do special events if the traffic warrants.

A few notes of interest, all law enforcement and military receive $1.00 dollar off while in uniform. Secondly, as to shelf life of kettle corn, Paul says that what you don’t eat, and believe me, kettle corn is more filling than you would think, you can put it in the freezer for up to three to four months. Let it thaw, when ready, and it will taste just as fresh as the day you bought it. Stop by the Crazy Coyote and welcome them to the Market. While you’re at it, pick a bag or two of kettle corn and a smoothie to wash it down.

As always, many of the market vendors accept WIC Farmers Markets & Senior Farmers Markets Vouchers in exchange for fresh fruits and vegetables. SNAP vouchers can also be used at some of the vendors booths. You can use your EBT card at the info booth for SNAP vouchers and Double UP tokens (unlimited amount right now).

We are looking forward to seeing you all at this coming week’s Market. For more information on all our vendors and the products they will be bringing, please see this week’s Farmers’ Market newsletter at www.sierravistafarmersmarkets.com.  Also, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sierravistafarmersmarket/

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southeastern Arizona (NAMI SEAZ) will be at the market on Thursday, July 24, with information about the free mental health services they provide in our community. They will also have info about their upcoming Sky Island Tour Bicycle Ride on October 2. This fun event offers rides choices of 5, 20, 30, 44, and 62 miles, and benefits NAMI SEAZ. Visit skyislandtour.com for more info.

Vendor Updates
Please see the vendor listings below with updated vendor information and the products they will be bringing.  Please keep in mind the social distancing while you shop at the market.

Market Hours: Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

SNAP and Double UP food bucks available at the info booth.

NOTE: Pick up free Herald Review newspaper at the info booth.

Music Entertainment: Rick Hernandez

BASA is a volunteer board non-profit with a mission: “to promote local, sustainable food production, marketing and education in southern Arizona.

Webpage: http://basamesquite.org/
Webblog: http://bajaaz.blogspot.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125627894978189
Email: brownchristie1@gmail.com

Updated Vendor Listing & Contact Information

– – Vendor Grown – –
Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Grown – – seal are known to grow at least 85% of the products they sell.
– – Vendor Brokered – –
Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Brokered – – seal do not grow a majority of the produce they sell and are known to purchase  a majority of their products from third parties.

Produce & Plant Vendors

Allred Family Fungi – – Vendor Grown –
Oyster mushrooms and other varieties.

Backyard Gardening & Growing  – – Vendor Grown –
Onions are available. Red, white, and yellow. Cucumbers (Armenian, suyo, and lemon), beets, and turnips. Plums (Santa Rosa and Shiro), pluots, and Okra.
Fresh Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables
Herb and flower plants.

Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown –
Edith will NOT be at the market
For more information please visit one of their links: Website
520-378-2728 or 520-678-9443

Echoing Hope Ranch – – Vendor Grown –
Variety of greens and herbs from their green house.
Kale, radishes, lettuce and more.

Horton’s Farm  – – Vendor Grown –

Garlic, onions, lettuce mix, radish, zucchini, tatsoi, red Russian kale, and beets.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Just A Pinch – – Vendor Grown –
They still have fresh-cut herbs available, but due to the pandemic still in effect, they will be limiting what they bring to farmer-selected,
pre-portioned herbs and custom orders made through phone (520-234-3254), email (justapinchllc@yahoo.com),
or in person at the market the week before!  This week’s selection of fresh harvested herbs are Strawberry Mint,
Chocolate Mint, and Italian Oregano for $1.00 per bundle!

Ruth’s Garden

Ruth and Ray will be back with a load of plants and soil. Fresh Garden Produce and Eggs and Flowers. Come visit and find fresh veggies to your liking.

The Lettuce Man’s Daughter – – Vendor Grown –
Donna will NOT be at the market this week.
Salad mix, red and green leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and young bok choi

SAS-Z Nuts – – Vendor Grown –
Locally Grown Pistachios
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Sivonn’s Garden – – Vendor Grown –
Fresh Seasonal Garden Produce such as mushrooms, salad mix, collards.

Tawin’s Gardens and Crafts – – Vendor Grown –

Seasonal Garden Plants

Triple J & R – – Vendor Grown –

“We are a family providing homegrown microgreens and sprouts. We carry a varied selection of microgreens and sprouts grown hydroponically on food safe screens using only pH balanced water and food grade nutrients for microgreen growth. If you don’t see one you like just let us know and we will grow it for you. Email us at triplej&r@arizonaremountstation.net or give us a call at (520) 266-2479. Our Website is arizonaremountstation.net.”

Meat, Milk, & Honey Vendors

Emu Enterprise – – Vendor Grown –

Roger will NOT be at the market.
For more information please contact Roger at: 520-585-6148 or email:
circlet@juno.com for orders

Golden Rule Dairy – – Vendor Grown – –
NEW: Raw butter and Ghee..
Fresh Raw Milk, Cream, and Dairy Products and their yummy granola.
Golden Rule Dairy Special eggs will be available in July and August.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
Instagram-  golden_rule_dairy
goldenruledairy@gmail.com
www.goldenruledairy.com
520-210-2857

L&B Farm
Burt will be at the market on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th , and 5th Thursday of every month.
Frozen chicken and lamb, fresh eggs

Papa Mike‘s Jerky 
Locally Made Jerky
For more information please visit one of their links: Website Facebook

San Ysidro Farm – – Vendor Grown – -,
Jackie will NOT be at the market (every first Thursday) with beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey and frozen pasties.
email jackie.syf@gmail.com
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Sky Island/47 Ranch – – Vendor Grown – –

THIS WEEK: We are back, and fully stocked with our beef! We are still out of lamb for the moment, but we will have mutton available in a few weeks.

We are taking orders for quarter, half or whole beef, and for whole mutton. Reserve yours before they are gone!!!

– Locally Raised Range fed Criollo Beef, and Navajo Churro Lamb.
All natural, no hormones, no antibiotics, and no grain feeding.
– Wild caught sockeye salmon from Naknek Fisheries, Bristol Bay, Alaska.
– Apple or Mesquite smoked bacon from Willcox Packing House (uncured bacon, nitrite, and nitrate free), pork chorizo, and pork sausage.
– Homemade Cowboy Style Peanut butter (made with slightly-roasted organic peanuts, no salt or sugar added).

YouTube Channel (Ranching in the Right Hemisphere): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfx3NWeUSGZ7KOnV8XL4tQ

For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook and YouTube
520-507-5203
crossu@vtc.net

Simmons Honey Ranchito 

Our many varieties of local honey will be available in one pound jars up to one gallon jugs.
520-364-2745, no text, no call id
520-368-2039 text welcome
simmonshoney1@powerc.net

Baked Goods & Snack Vendors

Designs by Copper Canyon
New: Gluten-free breads.
Delicious truffles and sweet & savory breads.
Home decor items.
coppercanyonind@gmail.com

Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen
Crumb coffee cake, oatmeal sandwich cookies, sourdough, and another fun bread.
Instagram is @ginnyseclectickitchen

Celestial Breads
Celeste will NOT be at the market.
Fresh Baked Goods and Prepared Foods
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

5 Nut Granola by Better Than Provisions
Better Than Provisions 5 Nut Granola is a nutrient dense, grain-free, sugar-free granola made with a premium 5 nut blend (macadamia, almond, pecan, walnut, and hazelnut) plus organic pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, and spices. It suits a variety of dietary preferences including keto, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-free, and diabetic. Available in 3 flavors.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, facebook

Farmer’s Daughter
Cassandra will NOT be at the market during the hot season, but
for orders call 623-523-7367.
Gluten free baked goods

Incredible Snacks
An Incredible Variety of Snacks
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Katerina’s-It’s Original Greek
Kathy & Jim will be back in October.
Fresh Made Greek Baked Goods and Prepared Food
New: Artisan Greek breads.

McDonald Farm
Baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, pies, and nut bars. Fresh eggs, pecans, beans (black, pinto, 9-bean mix), chicken and duck eggs.
SAS-Z-Nuts pistachios
Leave a message for Dona 520-220-3000

Steph’s Sweets Bakery
Stephanie will NOT be at the market (every 1st Thursday)
Granola, cookies, muffins (all vegan)
Desert Bloom Photography &  Ray’s Leatherworks 520-368-2454

Sweet Arizona
Locally made Toffee, Brittle, & Fudge
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
www.sweetarizona.org
520-312-5351

Sweets By Shelly
Cake pops in a wide variety of flavors, almost too pretty to eat, but oh so yummy.
Toffee and pretzels.
308-708-1680 for special or custom orders.
Shelly will NOT be at the market for the hot summer months.

Wild Arizona Gardens
This week:
Wild Arizona Garden will have pink oyster mushrooms this week. The bread selection will include na’an, green chili and cheddar bread, 5 seed bread, honey oat bread and rye bread. Also on the menu will be apple pie and strawberry rhubarb crisp. If you would like to have some held for you, please text 520-508-2494.

Personal Health & Household Vendors

Ancestral Herbals (Arizona Soap Company)
Julee (Tracy) will NOT be at the market this week.
In order to serve our community, she is offering free shipping to local customers. Enter discount code SierraV during check out.
www.ArizonaSoapCompany.com
Hand made soap, lotion, balm, muscle rub, etc.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Desert Oasis Soap
Home made Soaps
For more information please visit one of their links:Website, Facebook
desertoasissoap@outlook.com
520-822-5330
desertoasissoaps.com

Nature’s Premium Skin Care
Aloe Vera miracle cream

Prepared Foods & Beverage Vendors

Big Woody’s
Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese, BBQ, and Pulled Pork
For more information & their menu please visit one of their links: Facebook

Bombshell Sweets
Variety of cotton candy

Café Cultiva
Fresh Coffee and Hot Beverages
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
774-316-2328

Cliff’s Salsa
Cliff will NOT be at the market this week.
Pickles, and jalapenos and salsa

Esperanza
Pre-order tamales by calling 520-954-7782
New: Pasties
Fresh made Tortillas, Tamales, Baked Goods
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
Esperanza will ship orders.

Crazy Coyote Concessions
Kettle Corn and Smoothies
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
734-430-1996

Mi Burrito
Burritos from the grill with fresh salsa for lunch.

Lazy KJ Ranch
Locally Grown Organic Pork for lunch specials.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Lasagna and More
Complete line of Take-n-Bakes, sauces, Chef Burritos, SW Spice Blend
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Mulcogi

Spices and herb mixes.

Queen Ceviche

Fresh Made Salsa, Ceviche, Hand Sanitizer, and  hibiscus syrup.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-4715

Pet Food & Product Vendors

Maggie’s Dog Treats & Accessories
All Natural Pet Snacks and Treats
For more information please visit one of their links:
480-488-1053
ziabischoff@gmail.com

Services

Hone Ranger
Scott has temporarily lost the ability to sharpen on site, but is still sharpening remotely. Come by the market or call 366-1815.

Lindsay
Handmade fitted masks.
520-546-1058
meyerwill@cox.net

In Stitches
Variety of face masks

 
Artisan Vendors (are back)

Greenstone Pottery & Crafts
Hand Made Pottery, Jewelry, & Crafts
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-537-4859
courage.4life4u@gmail.com
530-539-4859
greenstone.collection@gmail.com

Thunder Mountain Alpaca Ranch
Alpaca boutique of Unique Hand Made Gifts
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
520-249-0362

Bernie & Bill Medley
Paintings, Custom Frames and Woodwork
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
For more information please visit one of their links:

Promise Farm LLC & Ash’s Amber
Ashley comes every 1st and 3rd Thursday.
Baltic Amber jewelry
Chicken eggs and small plants.

Migrant Shelter Workshop Carpentry
Furniture from their introductory carpentry school and bird feeders

Sue’s Closet
Sue will be at the market on the first Thursday.
Tie-dye and painted clothing (hats, silk scarves, shawls, blouses)

Rita Obenauf’s Windchimes
Every 1st Thursday when the weather cools again.
Up-cycle bottle wind chimes
909-957-0368
Insta-gram Lifeabove100

Inner G Cells
Handmade orgonite item (includes jewelry)

Quails Qrafts
Tie-dye clothing (onesies, t-shirts, masks, scrunchies, pants)

Artisan Vendors (soon to return)

Jim Williams Woodworks

Checkerboards and many new lazy Susans,  one of a kind, all sizes of cutting boards, pens, pencils, fountain pens!  Key rings, toaster tongs, oven rack pulls.  By a special request, I have started making urns and jewelry boxes.

520-393-6608
weloveaz2@gmail.com

Blue Oak Builders and Sierra Vista Gems
New batch of bolt action pens made with Mexican blue oak. Cheri has made more of her color changing beads and hand painted front license plates.
520-508-1958

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