FARMERS MARKET & ARTS FESTIVAL

October is the final month for this year's FARMERS MARKET at the Lane Agri Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Just as there are fireworks at the end of winning ballgames, there are fun explosions at all of the remaining Tuesdays and Fridays (7AM-noon) FARMERS MARKET events this year.

Local is still the focus, and during October local craft artists will be selling their creations at the Rutherford County Farmers Market.

• iSPY Preschool Nature Series (10:00AM each day) This fun parent participation class is designed to teach preschool children about the wonders of nature while learning to better care for the Earth.

In addition to the regular FARMERS MARKET activities, these bonus features will be included:

Tue. (Oct 9) The 3R's- Children will learn the basics of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" with fun songs, activities, and artwork.

Oct. 12, 16, and 19: TN STEAM Festival www.tnsteam.org

Oct. 12, 16 and 19: Make a Mason Bee House! (12th, 16th & 19th) Attract Nature's Most Industrious Pollinators! Boost your garden's productivity by providing a happy home for peaceful, nonaggressive Mason Bees. Learn all about mason bees and then make and take a mason bee house home. This is a craft for all ages.

Fri. (Oct. 12) Grow as We Go--Children explore the life cycles of familiar wildlife and understand that living things grow and change.

Fri (Oct. 12) We All Live Downstream. Stormwater happens, but pollution of our local waters does not need to. Using a model, participants simulate rain and visually see the impact precipitation has on the land and water within a watershed. Bare ground loses soil, materials left on the earth's surface are carried into streams; pollution impacts our drinking water sources! Maps of our Stones River Watershed display the streams in our watershed and impairments to water quality are noted on the map as well. Become a steward of clean water! iNaturalist participants will be introduced to one of the world's most popular nature apps, iNaturalist, that helps identify plants and animals. This is a way to connect with other nature lovers all over the world by using technology!

Fri. (Oct 12) 3D GIS Technology in Action. The 3D GIS Technology in Action is a showcase of 3D GIS Technology capabilities. Audiences will experience visualization of examples of streaming of 3D web scenes, terrain maps and the 3D city information viewing 3D models on our 3D prulaView display.

Fri. (Oct. 12): Market Vendor & Customer Appreciation. Samples provided by Pork Producers of TN

Tue. (Oct. 16) The Thai art of Garnishing- The must-see Thai Art of Decorative Garnishing! Demonstration of Fruit & Vegetable Carving.

Tue. (Oct. 16) A Drop in the Bucket--What is abundant and rare at the same time? We will calculate the availability of fresh water on the Earth!

Tue. Oct. 16) Who Lives in a Tree? Children develop an awareness of trees and some of the animals that call them "home."

Fri. (Oct 19) 3D GIS Technology in Action. The 3D GIS Technology in Action is a showcase of 3D GIS Technology capabilities. Audiences will experience visualization of examples of streaming of 3D web scenes, terrain maps and the 3D city information viewing 3D models on our 3D prulaView display.

Fri. (Oct. 19) Less is More--Participants will learn that using less is a way of sharing natural resources.

Fri. (Oct. 19) United Way Fundraiser Chili Lunch Donation of $5 for a Bowl of Chili, fixings and dessert. Chili is provided by extension staff, market vendors and gratefully served by Master Gardener volunteers.

Tue. (Oct. 23) Spider Web Wonders- How many legs does a spider have? What is the shape of its body? Children will learn about spiders and spider webs by going on a hunt around the outdoor classroom, learning a new song, and playing a game.

Fri. (Oct. 26) United Way Fundraiser Soup Lunch. Donation of $5 for a Bowl of Soup, fixings and dessert. Soup is provided by extension staff, market vendors and gratefully served by Master Gardener volunteers.

Fri. (Oct. 26) House of Seasons- Children will learn about the four seasons and how water plays a role in each.

Tue. (Oct. 30) Seed Need- Through exploring seeds as food for people and animals, children will learn how animals spread seeds and how plants grown with music and games.

FINAL DAY

Tue. (Oct. 30, 2018) Last day of Rutherford County Farmers' Market. Thank you for your support!

First Day next season Friday, May 10, 2019. Lane Agri-Park 315 John R. Rice Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-898-7710