Catch the last of this season's farmers markets

You still have time to buy pumpkins and other locally grown produce. Bob Shepherd wrote to say the final Washington, Iowa, farmers market of 2009 will be tonight, Oct. 15, starting at 5 p.m. Others throughout Eastern Iowa have already completed their seasons and more will be closing down in the coming weeks.

Here is what I've been able to find as last days on those in this area. If you know of others, send an email to: cindy.hadish@gazcomm.com or add your comments below.

Urbana - Oct. 31; Youngville - Oct. 16; Iowa City - Oct. 31; Sycamore Mall, Iowa City - Oct. 27; Noelridge Park, Cedar Rapids - Oct. 23; Eighth Avenue, Cedar Rapids - Oct. 24; Hiawatha - Oct. 25; Toledo - Oct. 30; Traer - Oct. 28; Kalona - Oct. 17 or 24;  Winneshiek County, Oct. 31.

Find a list of locations and times of Eastern Iowa farmers markets here on the Homegrown blog: 

http://thegazette.com/blogs/homegrown/2009/05/01/2009-farmers-market-list

Here is more of what Bob had to say about tonight's market in Washington, which starts at 5 p.m.: Colorful displays of remaining summer produce, as well as Fall crops of squash, multi-colored indian corn, pumpkins and whimsical gourds, will brighten downtown Central Park.

   Participants should consider stocking up on the aromatic offerings from local bakers ovens. Fresh baked breads, fruit pies, short breads, sweet rolls, apple dumplings, pecan pies, sticky rolls, can all be frozen and reheated for that upcoming feast.

   The weather requires warm clothing, but the atmosphere under lofty trees is indeed warm, as friends and neighbors gather for the final market. It continues to be an unusual season; but the 2009 Washington Farmers' Market will be remembered for what has been the same and ultimately the most important: the great people on both sides of the tables. See ya there!