FRAMINGHAM, MA - The Framingham Farmer's Market is more than just a place to pick up some fresh produce, (although there is plenty to choose from), it's a community event. You could just grab a few farm-fresh groceries and jump back in your car -- but you'd be missing most of the fun.

Twin brothers Will and Miles do a free craft project with Jackie Meninno, Market Manager at the Framingham Farmer's Market on Thursday, August 4, 2011.

Each week, Market Manager Jackie Meninno has a different free craft project for kids to do.  This week twin brothers Will & Miles stopped by the manager's tent and made sheep cut outs with Jackie.  After tracing their hands and cutting out the sheep, the boys glued on real sheep's wool, (from Hanson Farm).  Who said you can only make a turkey from hand tracings?

Instead of running in and out of a convenience store to grab a factory-produced, high-fructose corn syrup, aspertame or sucralose sweetened carbonated beverage -- why not wander over to "When Life Gives You Lemons" where Elizabeth Hanson will fresh-squeeze you a 32oz cup of ice-cold lemonade. She makes it to order with real cane sugar, Agave syrup or maybe you want to try it with a fresh piece of peach.

There's plenty of time to pickup some salad greens, summer squash or pick through the pecks of peppers -- but the aroma of Velma's Wicked Delicious Kettle Corn is hard to pass up -- why not grab a bag of that too, (it goes great with the Lemonade!)

Even if you really only stopped at the market for some corn or tomatoes -- there's no reason you shouldn't try a Raspberry, Salted Walnut or traditional Vanilla real butter-creme filled Whoopie Pie from the Whoopie Monster booth -- better yet, try one of each!

Ok.. we've tempted you enough.  Here's a photo slide-show of just some of what you might find at the Framingham Farmer's Market!

In addition to the farm stand booth, kids crafts and snack foods, each week a different local organization is in the Community Outreach booth.  This week Michelle McElroy, Operations Manager for the Framingham History Center was setup to promote the ongoing 150th Anniversary of the Civil War events which continue thoughout 2011 and into 2012.

There's also a "Showcase Tent", this week Steve Nelson, a.k.a. "Hedgie" was showcasing his Hedgie's Hot Stuff products which include salsa's and spice rubs that are made from locally grown Massachusetts produce.

The Army National Guard was also at the market this week with a military equipped Hummer for kids to check out.

You never know who or what you might see -- so be sure to drop by and check it out!

Eat Fresh! Support Local Farmers!

See you at the market next week!

The Framingham Farmer's Market is open Thursday afternoons from 12:00 noon until 5:30p.m. (during the summer and early fall -- check our calendar for dates).  The market is located on the Framingham Centre Common, (corner of Edgell Rd. and Vernon St., just off Rt. 9 at the State College exit).  For more info about the market, contact Jackie Meninno, Market Manager via email at: farmers_market@verizon.net

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