Last Farmer's Market

Last night we had our final market of the season. Don't be too sad though, we are moving forward. Coming soon (mid-September) Tuesday Nights!

We have a new street fair to help us through. Tuesday Nights! will be held on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in Downtown Gridley. The streets will be blocked off for businesses, crafts, food, and farmer's to sell their wares.

As for last night, we had a great time. A full park, great music with Ben Taylor, yummy food from the Lighthouse Tabernacle Junior group, a dunk tank, and a home made ice cream contest.

Big congratulations to our Ice Cream Contest winners Mimi Wise in first with her Fresh Lemon Ice Cream, Jenny Johnson in second with her Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, and Diane Krosivic with her Strawberry Banana Ice Cream. It was tough competition between 5 entries. They were all so good, and refreshing on a warm evening.

Thank you to everyone who has been there to support the Farmer's Market this season, it's been a blast!!

We look forward to seeing you at Tuesday Nights!

Don't forget the Uptown, Downtown, All Around Town Yard Sale on October 4. There are 20 entries so far and it's not even September.

I almost forgot, tonight is the General Meeting and pot luck. The agenda includes a year in review, Farmer's Market report, election of a new board and more.

August 19th Market

Music: Steve Green American Pop sponsored by Gold Country Bank

Food: great dinner by Manzanita School

Special Feature: Free Peach Pie and Ice Cream, Ice Cream provided by Sav More

August 12th Market

Music: Linda Vaca and Judah, Country Gospel sponsored by Gold Country Bank

Food: Sloppy Joes, Coleslaw, and Chips by the United Methodist Church

Special Events: Watermelon Eating Contest, sign up at the market

Applications are available at the market for the upcoming Homemade Ice Cream Contest on August 26th.

Success!!

Wow, last night was the largest crowd ever at Farmer's Market. The bike rodeo was a huge success with 137 young people participating. All the park was full of great activities like free family portraits, free school supplies, jump houses, music, and of course great produce.

A huge thank you is due to the City of Gridley, Gridley-Biggs Police Department, the Fire Deparment, the Recreation Department, our local service organizations and everyone who came out to enjoy the night.

With all the variety of summer produce I thought I supply a few resources for new ideas. Our local magazine Edible Shasta-Butte is always a good source and always available free at the market along with other local publications.

An Eggplant Gratin:

2 1/2 lbs eggplant, peeled if white, sea salt and fresh ground pepper, 1/4 c. olive oil, 1 large onion sliced, 4 large eggs, 1 c. milk or light cream, 1 c. finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 T. balsamic vinegar, 10 large basil leaves torn into small pieces.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a 2-quart gratin dish. Cut eggplant into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Salt, if desired, and set aside.
2. Heat 1 T. oil in a large nonstick skillet, add the onions, and cook over medium heat, turning frequently until soft and light gold, about 12 minutes. Scrape into a bowl. While the onions are cooking, beat the eggs with the milk and stir in the cheese, vinegar, 3/4 t. salt, and some fresh ground pepper.
3. If you salted, rinse the eggplant, then wick up the water with a towel. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet. When hot, add the eggplant and immediately turn it in the pan so all of the pieces are coated with oil. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally until the eggplant is golden. This will take about 25 minutes, but you don't need to stand over the pan. This is a good down time to make a quick tomato sauce for this dish or another part of your meal.
4. Season the eggplant with salt and pepper to taste, then toss with the onions and basil. Put it in the prepared dish and pour the custard over the top. Bake until golden brown, and puffed, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

This recipe is also good with other vegetables like summer squash, artichokes, and asparagus.

Taken from: Local Flavors by: Deborah Madison

National Night Out

Tuesday August 5th- National Night Out

Musical Feature: Barley Mow- 70's and 80's Rock and Roll
Sponsored by: Gold Country Bank

Food: Bratwurst by Gridley Lion's Club

Entertainment: Shalimar Belly Dancers

Free: Bike Rodeo, Helmet Give Away, Bike Raffle, Sidewalk Chalk Drawing, and Market Raffle

Lots of fun to be had by all!!