Sept 29: Harvest Day @ Aurora Farmers Market

Aurora’s Farmers Market Downtown

“The oldest Farmers Market in the State of Illinois!”

Harvest Day @ the Market Saturday, September 29, 2012
Wilder Promenade - 350 N. River Street 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

DEMONSTRATIONS @ the Demo Tent:

• 8:00 a.m. – Salsa Man Secrets – “Come Early, Get Secrets!” You won’t want to miss the “Salsa Man” (a.k.a. Dan Barreiro) as he reveals some of his clandestine Salsa making techniques.   Utilizing locally grown farm fresh ingredients, “Salsa Man” will craft before your very eyes, one of his healthful and flavorful top-secret recipes. Spicy? Savory? Sweet? Only those in attendance will know the SECRET!  But you can guarantee your taste buds will be tantalized and tingling.  Recipes and samples will be included.

• 9:00 a.m. Autumn Wreath – Learn how to spice up your fall décor from Susan Johnson, Phillips Park Horticulturalist.  Susan will demonstrate an easy to make Autumn Wreath perfect to add seasonal color to your front door or over the mantle.

• 10:00 a.m. – Preserving the Harvest - If you’re up to your elbows in tomatoes or apples this month, then chances are you need a little nudge in the right direction.  Why not reap the benefits of locally grown fruits and vegetables harvested at the peak of ripeness!  University of Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator Laura Barr and Master Gardener Ruth Ann Seney will alleviate any fear you might have of Home Canning.  Their presentation will demonstrate the differences in water bath and pressure canning, equipment choices, ph values of foods and best practices. Discover the deeply rewarding experience of selecting your own produce and canning it into delicious homemade preserves, pickles and more.

ACTIVITIES & EXTRAS:

• ENTERTAINMENT: The Goats -Led by renowned musician and cello prodigy Eric Ross, this versatile group of dynamic twenty-something’s offer a unique musical mélange of string instruments, including cello, guitar and violin. Their unique sound is based in classical and acoustic repertoires with enthusiastic touches of folk, pop, jazz, and world music.
• Children’s Autumn Crafts: Fall is in the air so let the kids have some fun making autumn themed crafts with Chris Kral and Jennifer Tannenbaum experts in crafting!
• Aurora Hispanic Heritage Masks: Come make a mask in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month courtesy of the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Board.  FREE
• Animal Control & Friends of Animal Control: Bring home a new F.B.F. (Furry Best Friend)!  Puppies, Kittens, Dogs & Cats, all ready for a loving home will be onsite for a “Meet & Sniff”.  Adoption information will be available.
• Aurora Fire Prevention: Learn about Fire Safety and see an Aurora Fire truck up close.
• The Aurora Public Library Foundation Book Sale: A wide selection of new, used, donated, ex-Library books and some advanced reading copies.  ONLY 50 cents to $1 with donations gladly accepted.  All proceeds benefit the Foundation’s early childhood literacy and technology initiatives.
• FACE Painting FUN:  Dots and Splashes’ Chris Kierstead, famed “Visage Festooner”, will be onsite embellishing faces with colorful works of art!  FREE
• Farmers Market Photo Ops:  Farmer Up!  Get your picture with our Market Mascots “Penelopea” & “Cornelius”.  Plus you can also “Get Your Farmer On” in Grant Woods’ “American Gothic” painting or maybe you are more an “Aurora Andy.”  No matter your choice it will be fun and memorable for everyone. FREE
• Friends of Phillips Park: Fall planting brings Spring beauty!  FREE Tulip Bulbs along with a selection of fall foliage plants and perennials will be offered for a small donation along with horticulture information.
• Aurora Historical Society:  Have your picture taken with Andy Aurora and the Aurora Historical Society's 1922 Chevy panel truck, the kind of vehicle that was once a common sight on the streets of Aurora as a delivery wagon.  Plus a historical display of the City of Lights!
• Paddle and Trail: FREE BIKE VALET!  Just pedal to the market and valet check your bike for FREE while you shop!  Paddle and Trail staff will also perform a complimentary inspection to ensure your equipment is at maximum performance.
• Insure One: FREE beverage mugs and information regarding your insurance needs.
• Grand Dental Fox Valley: Meet & Greet with Dr. Taina Yanez.  They’ll have FREE Pumpkins for children to decorate and take home!  PLUS Grand Dental will be hosting a “Magic Show” Oct. 28 at the Akoo Theatre to benefit Salute Inc. Salute Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families.  Discount tickets are available for only $30 (Reg. $42), all proceeds benefit Salute Inc.
• REGISTER TO VOTE: Deputy Registrars from the League of Women Voters of Illinois will be on hand to assist with voter registration. If you are a US citizen who is a resident of Illinois, here’s an opportunity to sign up now to exercise your right to vote!
• The Light of the Heart: A Community Art Therapy Project: Come and show off your creativity with a fun and simple art activity.  All ages welcome to participate!
• Fox Valley Montessori School – Scout Pack 6: Help support the scouts with their Popcorn Fundraiser.
• Dreyer Medical Clinic – Cardiology Department, Highland Campus:  - Complimentary blood pressure checks and education materials on Hypertension, heart healthy diet and smoking cessation.
• Missing Children Child Search:  Information to raising awareness of missing children and complimentary Kettle corn with a donation.

Harvest Day Vendor Specials:

• Juice Plus: FREE decorated pumpkin with Orchard, Garden and Vineyard Trio purchase.
• Dick’s Mini Donuts: BUY a Mini “D: GET a Mini “D” FREE! PLUS Dick’s Donut Mascot!
• Pampered Chef: FREE Apple Wedger (with a $60 purchase), FREE Shipping & FREE Recipe Card for stopping by!
• PLUS Many More Specials!