The Town of Tonganoxie, Kansas was named after the Deleware Indian, Cheif Tonganoixe, purveyor of the town's first tavern and trading post, Tonganoxie Lodge. by llc

A good example of the cup is half full vs. the cup is half empty idiom is the Tonganoxie Split. The Tonganoxie Split is a documented weather phenomenon that typically causes storms heading toward Lawrence and Tonganoxie to split in half and ceremoniously avoid these two cities in Kansas. Some say the phenomenon is a blessing brought on by Chief Tonganoxie to spare the area from damaging wind and rain, others say it is a curse, made by the Chief, (who may or may not have been an actual Indian Chief) to severely reduce the amount of moisture that falls upon the towns, thus making the area difficult to farm. Either way, watching a weather radar as a storm approaches from the southwest, will soon confirm the phenomenon is indeed fact, not fiction.

As for area farmers, the Tonganoxie Split lately seems to be more of a curse than a blessing. With no rain in sight for at least another few weeks and the accumulated rainfall for the season dipping almost nine inches below the norm, it is difficult for farmers to fully reap the benefits of the cooler temperatures September has offered up. As proof of their fortitude and talents, farmers somehow have managed to keep their booths at area farmers markets teaming with fresh produce. This week is no exception as farmers reel in the surviving fall crops and begin harvesting the fruits of their late season labors.

Fall crops include root vegetables, such as potatoes, turnips, radishes and sweet potatoes, as well as a second flush of cool season greens including kale, chard, spinach and various lettuces. Fall is also the time to harvest the long awaited and much anticipated winter variety squashes, specifically: butternut, acorn, delicate, and pumpkin. Assuming Mother Nature agrees to keep the nightly temperatures hovering above freezing until later in the season, we should all be the benefactors of a bountiful autumn growing season, despite Chief Tonganoxie’s legacy.

Regardless of seasonal challenges, several area farmers are foregoing this week’s markets to prepare for the Kaw Valley Farm Tour this week end. The Farm Tour will run from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2. Tickets are available at the Community Mercantile, the Lawrence Visitors Center, and the County Extension office. Cost is $10 per car load and includes access to over 24 local farms, wineries and dairies. For more information go to http://www.kawvalleyfarmtour.org/

The Ross Family will be serving up fresh Indian tacos and fry bread at Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market this Thursday, September 29, 2011. by llc

Before you head out to tour the many wonderful farms Lawrence has to offer, make time to take a “farmers” tour in the back parking lot of Cottin’s Hardware & Rental. This week at Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market sixteen assorted farmers and producers will be waiting to share their bounty with market goers. Fresh Picked, a quartet of talent musicians comprised of Steve Mason, Lauralyn Bodle, Matt Kirby and Lisa Grossman, will be on hand to entertain patrons and vendors alike with a wondrous selection of acoustical bluegrass music. Devil Dog’s Brewhaus will be serving up organically grown, free trade coffee, Abundant Life Naturals will be selling (and serving) organic, loose leaf teas, and the Ross Family will return once again to serve up their delicious Indian tacos and fry bread.

Aaron Sibler assists PJ Karlin at Avery's Produce booth during the Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market by llc

Come join the fun at Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market, this Thursday, September 29 from 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm in the back parking lot of Cottin’s Hardware and Rental, 1832 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence.