Fats Domino may have had to climb Blueberry Hill, but we only have to walk on over to the Lansdowne Farmers Market to find blueberry hills piled on the produce tables.
*Nerd Alert!: The wild blueberries for which the state of Maine is so famous were known to our local indigenous tribes 13,000 years ago. And, in addition to its famed corn and tomatoes, the Garden State right next door actually developed the cultivated variety of blueberries currently oozing out of that flaky piecrust, or bursting out of your breakfast. Buy some, bake some, simmer into syrup, or just gobble by the handful. It’s all good. Thanks, New Jersey!
Hard to believe that we’re mostly through June already and on the early cusp of July, so what’s on tap next? Our sources say that although those bunches of asparagus stalks may soon be yesterday’s news, tomatoes and local sweet corn will be hitting their stride, along with melons and peaches…and they’ll be here all summer, folks!
Of course, it’s not all about fruits and veggies at the LFM…Not by a long shot.
This week, to make sure you’re geared up and ready for your 4th of July entertaining, we’ve got cheese (Amazing Acres Goat Dairy), spices and slatherings for your burgers (Faiya & Planted Kitchens). We’ve got beer, wine and spirits (Red Brick Craft Distillery, Two Locals Brewing Company, Mitchell & Mitchell), and sweet endings with pies and cookies (My House Cookies) and ice cream (Franklin Fountain). And if I haven’t covered all the food groups, you can fill in the missing ingredients.
Speaking of the 4th of July…Welcome back! We’ve missed you!
The Lansdowne parade will take place on Saturday, July 3rd at 9:00 a.m. (or as soon as all the cats get herded into position at Highland Avenue). So head for your usual corner and be ready to wave like it’s 2019!
Speaking of celebrations…although it came too late for last week’s edition, a long overdue HAPPY JUNETEENTH to all the families and generations who have waited far too long to be acknowledged.
As promised: July 3 LFM heralds the return of the Artist’s Tent! First up will be Paper Mache by Rachel. Like so many others, Rachel Zervas used the pandemic to rediscover her penchant for turning ordinary paper and paste into whimsy. Proceeds from sales will go to Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), an environmental direct action group, and to Savage Sisters, a recovery house and outreach program in Philly.
Are you looking for something to do that’s NOT on the weekend? We’ve got the hot ticket right here: South Side Thursday. Ribbon Cutting this Thursday at 4pm at Lansdowne Urban Farms (23 S. Lansdowne Ave). Lansdowne Urban Farms is a family-run, women-owned business that hydroponically grows affordable, high-quality fresh produce (like arugula, lettuce, kale and basil) right here in downtown Lansdowne. Step out and see who’s doing, baking, growing, and selling in the shops along the south end of “The Ave.” Get to know and support your local businesses. Kia’s Cakes & Cafe, Lansdowne Urban Farms,and Bonnie’s Uptown Wondergardensare just some of what’s goin’ on down there.
Fats Domino may have had his thrill on the hill, but I’m happy to swing with Sinatra…
This is my kind of town.
Terry Baraldi