Farmer's Market season ends Saturday

The 2009 Farmer's Market season will end Saturday with a Halloween-themed event full of food, entertainment and other activities.

As a farewell to the season, market organizers have planned a special event that includes cooking demonstrations by guest chef Chris Maycumber, Halloween decorations and costumes, and treats for children. The event is scheduled to take place from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Skubitz Plaza near the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Maycumber will be present at the market from 8 to 11 a.m. to give demonstrations using seasonal fresh produce provided by Fort Scott Farmer's Market vendors. Most of the produce Maycumber will be working with includes late season greens, squash and pumpkins, cabbage, eggplant, turnips and Swiss chard, a type of green in the beet family that Maycumber said is a very healthy food. One of the dishes he will prepare, Maycumber said, is eggplant hummus.

Maycumber will also be handing out samples and recipes of dishes he prepares using these food items, and will also provide food tips and other treats, including pumpkin pastries. He will also demonstrate some of the uses of pumpkin seeds, which can be toasted and also used as an ingredient in other dishes, Maycumber said.

Regular vendors at the market will have treats for children, who are encouraged to dress up and trick-or-treat through the market during the event, according to Farmer's Market Association member Mary Corpstein.

Maycumber served as a guest chef during a similar event this summer. At that event, he prepared a variety of dishes that were more fitting for the summer season.

That event was well attended, and Maycumber said he expects another good turnout on Saturday.

"I probably gave away between three and four hundred samples that day," he said. "It was a great turnout."

The new, larger Farmer's Market is typically open every Wednesday and Saturday from May to October. The market operated at a new location this year in Skubitz Plaza after moving prior to the season. Fresh produce, baked goods, all-natural food products, arts and crafts, and other items are available at each market. The market is sponsored, organized and conducted by members of the Fort Scott Farmer's Market Association.