2018 Wellness Expo

2018 Wellness Expo LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Wednesday, February 21, 2018 Page 63 The ALMH Market captured community interest from its opening on Saturday, May, 21st, 2016. And, it has kept that interest with its great local products and ever changing offerings of information, services, entertainment and lots of fun things to do. The Market began under the auspice of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation with a mission to increase access to fruits and vegetables. Over the past two seasons it has deepened in tradition as a popular Saturday morning destination with interests for the whole family. While adults make purchases, kids sample, learn and earn tokens for spending on their own choices, all in a sociable setting. Vendors offer locally grown and produced fruits and vegetables – meats and poultry products - baked goods - seasonal cut, potted, dried, bundled and arranged flowers – jarred condiments, herbs, spices and teas - soaps and lotions – and more ‘good for the body, good for the soul’ products each week. There are also cooking and interactive fitness demonstrations, musical entertainments, fun contests, fresh food samplings, seasonal events such as costume contests and hayrack rides for the community to enjoy. A sitting area compliments the social aspect of the market affording the opportunity to visit, listen to music, and enjoy a bite to eat and a beverage. Both the healthcare and agricultural industries cite numerous benefits to knowing where your food comes from and buying locally grown foods whenever you can. At the Market there is an added component of speaking direct to the growers about how their crop was grown. You will also find many varieties of fruits and vegetables that you won’t find in a grocery store. Ever thought about what a strawberry flavored radish might taste like? You wouldn’t believe how many types of turnips and squash and many other vegetables there are for the trying, too many to sample just four or five new choices each week. You will find an abundance of choices to changeup the offerings on your dinner table every week. The Market also makes a great place to make new friends and see many old friends, which all-in-all makes the Market a great weekly destination. Mark your calendar for 2018 ALMH Market Saturday mornings: Opening day: Saturday, May 12, 2018. 8 a.m. to noon Expo Building Logan County Fairgrounds For more information about The ALMH Market, visit www.TheALMHMarket.org . [Jan Youngquist]