Local peaches are one of the delightful sesonal fruits availbale during summer months at many midwestern farmers markets. by llc

In 1994 pop band “The Presidents of the United State of America” sang a song entitled “Peaches” that went a little like this: “… If I had my little way, I'd eat peaches every day. Sun-soakin' bulges in the shade… Nature's candy in my hand or can or a pie… Millions of peaches, peaches for me…” This week at Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market there may not be a million peaches, but Stony Ridge Farms will have peaches to sell, and after a damaging prolonged winter and an excessively heat and drought ravaged summer, having peaches to sell is quite a feat.

Stony Ridge Farms will offer local peaches this week at Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market. by llc

Stony Ridge Farms is a small scale orchard and farm located in Jefferson County in the Perry – Lecompton area. Bernie and Deb Antes bought the farm in hopes of enjoying a peaceful and relaxing rural life style. Their dreams of relaxation were soon dashed when they discovered the small wooded portion of their property was actually a prolific and diverse fruit orchard with fruit bearing trees, vines and bushes. The abundance of produce led Deb into the kitchen to can and make preserves and jellies. Soon she was baking breads and other delectables to go with the preserves and after their store house was over flowing Bernie and Deb realized they needed to share their bounty with others. Stony Ridge has been a cornerstone of Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market since the market’s beginning and continues to delight market patrons with a wide array of unique and delicious jams, jellies and bake goods, as well as seasonal fruit and produce. Stony Ridge raises hormone/antibiotic free grass fed beef and free range chickens and ducks. They also grow a selection of produce in the rich hillside soil that graces their farm. Their farm fresh eggs are a grocery staple for many market goers. Last week Stony Ridge surprised everyone with their first flush of fall arugula and a promise of more to come, assuming the bulk of the summer heat has subsided and a cool, moist fall is just around the corner.

Stony Ridge Farms suppliments thei lack of seasonal produce with jams, jellies, bake goods and farm fresh eggs. by llc

Like Stony Ridge, all farmers in the area have struggled to bring fresh, healthy produce to market this summer. The bounty the mild and moist late spring had promised was ruthlessly devoured by the excessive heat and below average rain fall July and August bestowed upon us. A note to their fortitude and talents, many farmers were able to eke out enough produce from the wilted and flowerless fields to keep market patrons relatively happy. These same adept farmers and producers will continue to struggle through the winter, as most were depending on unrealized livelihood from the financially beneficial summer crops which lie shriveled in the fields and orchards across their land.

Lonestar Farms has held strong with a supply of potatoes and cucumbers through the season at Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market. by llc

Though summer and early fall crops have been at a minimum this year and the much anticipated tomato season was never able to get into full swing, vendors still have plenty to offer, with hopes of more in the coming weeks. Potatoes, cucumbers, onions, cherry tomatoes, green (and purple) beans, okra, peppers, melons, egg plant, and more will be available at Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market this week. Along with Free State beer, Mister Bacon BBQ, and Vinland Valley Nursery green goods.

Farmers and producers at Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market offer a wide array of seasonal produce despite the unseasonally hot and dry summer months. by llc

Stop by Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market, this Thursday, September 1, from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm and enjoy the strummings of two of Lawrence’s most talented string musicians. Bill Crahan (guitar) and Scott Tichenor (mandolin) will be on hand to entertain and delight patrons and vendors alike. Bill and Scott have enjoyed playing together for years and both are nationally renowned for their talents and musical bravado.

Cottin’s Hardware Farmers market is located in the back parking lot of Cottin’s Hardware & Rental at 1832 Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS and runs every Thursday, through October, from 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm.