Difficult weather postponed the debut of the Farmers' Market at Udall Park by a week, but it launched at the end of January and customers couldn't have been happier.
The Udall market features locally grown produce and dishes created by Tucson chefs using local seasonal foods, according to organizers.
Nancy Wheeler was excited to attend the first Farmers' Market at Udall Park Friday with friends who share her appreciation for local food.
"You know where it comes from and you know what's in it," she said.
Wheeler and her friends also frequent farmers markets at Rincon Valley, Plaza Palomino and St. Philip's Plaza, but those markets aren't as convenient as the one at Udall, which is closer to Wheeler's east-side neighborhood.
Some of Wheeler's finds at the Udall market included fresh greens, tomatoes and fresh-roasted coffee and peanuts.
People are also reading…
"Organic usually costs a bit more than what's in the stores, but I'd rather support local growers," she said.
Entertainment also is part of the Udall market.
A harp towered over 2-year-old Jude Wesolowski, who reached out to grasp its bass strings as musician Francisco Gonzalez's fingers danced along with the Mexican tunes he played.
Jocelyn Wesolowski intercepted her son's tiny fingers just in time to avoid an annoyance and trespass to the instrument.
"It's OK - let him do it," said Gonzalez, still playing. "It's good for him - let him feel it. It doesn't bother me at all."
Jude's eyes sparkled as he flexed and released his grip around the giant strings over and over, producing a tiny "bom, bom, bom" as Gonzalez's music continued to pour from the harp.
"Every time I play a market at least one child wants to come and play," Gonzalez said. "They want to feel the vibrations. So much of music is not just about hearing, it's about feeling."
The farmers market will operate on a pilot basis through May 14.
If You Go
What: Friday Farmers' Market at Udall Park.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays.
Where: Morris K. Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road.
Contact photographer James Gregg at jgregg@azstarnet.com or 573-4155.
