Vibrant, full size heads of Red Leaf and Green Leaf from MAD Farm are available at Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market - Indoors this week! by llc

Despite the bitter cold of winter that has descended on Lawrence for the day, local residents and friends can enjoy a bit of summer at Cottin’s Hardware & Rental today. Cottin’s Hardware & Rental is playing host to Lawrence’s premier indoor farmers market each Thursday throughout the winter months. Today at Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market - Indoors patrons can select from a wide array of fresh baked goods, local jams and jellies, local farm fresh chicken and duck eggs and even more exciting – local fresh picked produce, including greens, turnips and radishes.

Local Farm Fresh Salad in January - Compliments of MAD Farm! by llc

Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market began three years ago as a small local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) pick up spot, it quickly grew to a full fledged Farmers Market, boasting up to twenty vendors, hot food, live music and even Free State beer. This year, Stony Ridge Farm, one of the market’s inaugural vendors decided to keep the market going through the winter season, offering farm fresh eggs, baked goods and more each week. Most of Stony Ridge’s winter market business comes in the form of pre-ordered eggs, but they always have a little on hand for lucky folks who stop in at Cottin’s Hardware & Rental on Thursday’s. The ease and locality of the Stony Ridge egg picked up spread and soon fellow market vendor, Upward Spirals Bake Goods, shifted her Thursday bread pick up to Cottin’s Hardware & Rental also.

This week, thanks to the wonderful spring like weather Lawrence has been experiencing during the past few weeks, MAD Farm will be joining Stony Ridge and Upward Spirals, bringing freshly harvested produce to the market table.

Stony Ridge Farms at Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market - Indoors Thursdays at Cottin's Hardware & Rental by llc

Cottin’s Hardware Farmer’s Market will continue to be held throughout the winter months, until May 3, 2012, when the full fledged outdoor market begins once again. Indoor market hours vary slightly, depending on bake good demand and produce availability. Stony Ridge promises to be there every week from 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm. Upward Spirals will usually set up from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm and MAD Farm will be on hand whenever they are blessed with fresh produce, such as today. Additional local farmers are encouraged to contact Cottin’s when they have produce to share, although space is somewhat limited, there is typically room for more.

Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market - Indoors January 12, 2012 Vendors will be:

Stony Ridge Farm - Fresh Picked Chicken & Duck Eggs, Local Hand Made Jams & Jellies, Fresh Baked Coffee Cakes and More!

Upward Spirals Bakery - Fresh Baked Breads & Muffins, Local Hand Made Scarves and More!

MAD Farm - Fresh Picked Greens Including Red & Green Leave Lettuce Grown From Seeds From Italy, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Golden Radishes and Violet Topped Turnips!

Cottin’s Hardware Farmers Market is beginning preparations for this summer’s farmers market. If you are a local farmer or producer and are interested in participating in the market contact Linda Cottin by email at Hardware@sunflower.com or call her at Cottin’s Hardware & Rental during regular business hours (785) 843-2981.

Come join the fun at Cottin's Hardware Farmers Market!!!!!! Thursdays from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Cottin’s Hardware & Rental, 1832 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas.