I noticed a query on “Lowell Tweets” today asking about the opening day for the annual CTI/Lowell Farmers’ Market. The good news – according to CTI – the official opening is set for Friday July 9, 2010.  UPDATED: The Farmers’ Market will be open from 2:00-6:00pm from July 9th through October 22nd.

The regulars know that the market is open every Friday afternoon during the summer and fall months of  July to October  (except for the Lowell Folk Festival weekend) in JFK Plaza in downtown Lowell – adjacent to the City Hall and the Civic Center. This outdoor Lowell Farmers’ Market is a great place to purchase fresh produce, breads, preserves, cut flowers, ornamental plants, crafts, and other unique items. The Lowell Farmers’ Market features Massachusetts grown products.  Neighbors, downtown denizens, city residents, workers in the city and others are encouraged to be locavores – purchase and eat locally grown food – and support our local farmers .

Each Friday at the Farmers’ Market – at 4:30pm – there are cooking and product demonstrations – the demos are free and samples are always available. Local chefs, restauranteurs as well as talented amateurs share their cooking secrets. You can learn new recipes or get an idea about how to use a type of vegetable or fruit that you see for sale but might not be so familiar. The Market also has  special theme days with entertainment and live music.

Coupons are available for seniors at the Lowell Senior Center and WIC vouchers are welcome.

The Farmers’ Market was first started in 1979, and it is sponsored by local non-profit community action agency, Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI). The Market regularly attracts hundreds of visitors each week.

Look here for Farmers’ Market information updates or call CTI at 978-459-0551.  As always, stay tuned.