The Willow Glen Resident

Photograph by Skye Dunlap

Grand Old Tree: Ashley and Anthony Rodriguez contribute painted tiles to the artwork project commemorating Willow Glen Elementary's 100th birthday.

Farmers' Market comes to town, bearing edible and fragrant gifts

Market kicks off on May 2 with a tile artwork dedication at WG Elementary

By Aji Mathai

It's going to be a little more crowded than usual in downtown Willow Glen come Saturday, May 2. On that day, the Willow Glen Farmers' Market makes its annual springtime pilgrimage to town, bearing flowers, vegetables, breads--and even tips on cooking and gardening.

The market will stay in town on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, through November.

The farmers' market, which has been at Willow Glen Elementary School for the past three years, will open this year with a pancake breakfast, followed by the dedication of a special tile artwork project, to be mounted on the administration building of the school. These events also celebrate the school's 100-year anniversary.

"We're very excited about coming back to Willow Glen this year," said SuEllen Sterling, who has organized the farmers' market along with Melanie Defe. "We're bringing in new vendors, and we feel that this year's market will be bigger and better."

In response to requests for more information about gardening by last year's attendees, market organizers have invited Nancy Garrison, a Willow Glen master gardener, Sterling said. Garrison will offer advice on gardening, such as the best plants to grow in the Glen and tips on water conservation.

Organizers will also bring in people from the Santa Clara Valley Water District to talk about water conservation in planting and growing plants.

The market will feature different events throughout the summer, including children's events, various demonstrations and special days. For instance, the first Saturday of every month will be a gardening day, at which gardeners will be brought in to give tips.

On other days, the market will cater to those with a hearty appetite and exotic palate, and visitors can learn recipes from chefs or view cooking demonstrations to learn how to prepare special dishes. Brochures will also be available to those who want to learn more about cooking and gardening.

The pancake breakfast at Willow Glen Elementary will run from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria, with the tile-artwork dedication at 10 a.m. The tile mural, which has been in the making since school opened in September, is described as a willow tree surrounded by alumni, teachers and students.

The school has been working with alumni since September, giving them the opportunity to leave their mark on the school by buying a tile and writing what they wish on it. Also on the mural will be the names of all of this year's students. Sponsored by the PTA, the breakfast and artwork project compose the second and final public event celebrating the school's centennial.

The market will be open during the breakfast, and residents can check out foods including organically and conventionally grown vegetables, breads, spreads, herbs, flowers and plants from more than 30 growers and producers. The first 200 people attending the farmers' market on opening day get a free packet of forget-me-not flower seeds courtesy of Home Savings of America, which is also providing additional parking for attendees during the market.

Also on opening day, there will be a retail "open house" sponsored by downtown merchants, wherein the community can check out new and old businesses on the Avenue.

Sterling said the average turnout for last year's market was about 1,000 people each Saturday, and she hopes to see about 1,500 market-goers each week this year.

The Willow Glen Farmers' Market is sponsored by the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association and the South Bay Farmers' Market. A calendar of events will be available on opening day. For more information, call 353-4293.

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