Becky Myers of Alpine drives down to the Farmers Market at Thanksgiving Point every week. She's focused on finding the newest rage on the apple market.
"That's the only reason I come. They (the Honey Crisp variety) are the perfect size and they are soooo good," Myers said. "Ummm. I can't even describe it."
Rachel Bennett of S&R Farm Products promises the apples will be in within the next two weeks. They don't get picked until they are exactly at the right stage of ripeness, she said.
"Here, take my card," she told Myers. "Call me each Thursday, and I'll tell you if they're in yet."
Natalie Scott of Cedar Hills doesn't need a specific reason to come to the Lehi market.
She just loves the fact that everything in the stands is fresh and locally grown.
"I like it all," she said. "It's all local and organic. I love it. The produce is just better, and I love to support local people, the local growers as well as the local artists."
At Thanksgiving Point, there are a variety of artisans offering handmade jewelry, salsa, flax seeds and breads along with the abundance of produce which includes tomatoes, green beans, cherries, raspberries, corn, cantaloupe, peppers and squash.
Carlos Chavez from Orem is a newcomer to the market.
"Today is my first time (here), but I like it," he said, as customers gathered around his well-stocked pickup truck. "I think it's a good one."
Chavez has cucumbers, tomatoes, peaches, squash, green and red peppers, Jalapeno peppers, Akane apples (a kind of Jonathan apple that's a little tart and a little sweet).
Does it save people money to shop at the outdoor markets?
"I think we're under the store price," Chavez said. "I sell my produce to the stores for the same price, and I'm sure they add something to cover their costs."
Chavez's tomatoes sell for $15 a box. Peppers are three for $1. Apples are $15 a bushel.
Tom Parker, the organizer of the Provo Farmer's Market and Riverwoods expansion, said this year has been the best yet in the four years he's run the market.
"Last Saturday was absolutely the best market we've ever had, and we were up against a football game," Parker said. "It's our best year overall in terms of visitation and vendors as well."
Parker said he started the market because he wanted to present money-making opportunities to students and immigrant families in the area.
"This one is really about our community," he said.
It's also open to a variety of seller options with one man offering authentic Mexican tacos (no lettuce) for $1 each and another Latino family selling their mama's enchiladas. A couple of women sell handmade jewelry items.
"This week we'll be offering fresh milk along with homemade bread," Parker said.
If you go . . .
What: Farmers Market
Where: Thanksgiving Point village complex, Lehi (take Alpine/Lehi exit, turn left) and 100 S. 500 West across from Provo's Pioneer Park.
When: Each Friday until Oct. 7 from 4-8 p.m. at Thanksgiving Point; in Provo from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays at 100 W. 500 South; from 4-8 p.m. Thursdays at 4800 N. and University Ave.
How much: $15 booth fee at Thanksgiving Point, $10 booth fee at Provo markets for vendors.
Phone: 768-2300 (Lehi), 377-1859 (Provo)
E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com