Unique farmer’s market offers produce, crafts and culture

Fresh produce, live music, good eats and Native American culture are all part of the Gila River Farmer’s Market. The market, in its first year, is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rawhide.

However, this isn’t your typical market. Customers not only can browse through tables of items for sale, but also tour an organic garden, learn what and how some of the top Arizona chefs are cooking and watch sports on several of the big screens. And there’s more. 

For children, there is a bevy of games and activities, such as a beanbag toss, steer roping, kid’s bull ride, horseshoe toss and barnyard ball. Kids at heart can take a shot at riding a mechanical bull.

If you’re looking to learn about the Native American culture, you can take classes on traditional arts, crafts and foods from the Gila River Indian Community or even explore the traditional Pima Village and Maricopa House. Throughout the day, there’s live, family friendly music provided by the Shovelheads.

And if you’re hungry, there are great specials such as $5 off the grill breakfast and a $12.99 Farmer’s market brunch buffet.

Vendors are invited to bring their items to sell at the market; participation is free.

If you go:

What: Gila River Farmer’s Market
Where: Rawhide, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Gila River Reservation
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free admission and parking
Information: 480-502-5600; visit gilariverfarmersmarket.com or www.rawhide.com

Photo by Peter Jordan