RAPID CITY, S.D. – For well over 25 years, the Black Hills Farmers Market has been offering some of the best produce, proteins, honey, jams, jellies and so much more to the hundreds who flock to the weekly market in Rapid City.
This weekend, the market offers PRO-tein Day, August 17th from 8:00a.m. – 1:00p.m., where fresh, locally raised meats including beef, lamb, pork and goat will be available for purchase. Fresh seafood is also featured from Tenny’s Wild Alaskan Seafood, local fishermen who fish the waters of Alaska and bring seafood to the market.
All proteins carry the level of state and federal inspections required for consumer safety.
Market goers can purchase a $10 coupon that doubles in value on PRO-tein Day. It’s like doubling your money towards protein purchases at the market on that day.
Long-time vendor and sheep producer Gwen Kitzan, of Kitzan Family Farms, LLC, Nisland, S.D., says it’s the perfect opportunity to buy protein from a local source.
“The major difference is that the at the Black Hills Farmers Market, you have to be within 200 miles of the market as a vendor, explains Kitzan. “You’re going to meet the farmers and ranchers who are actually raising and producing this meat. They’re going to be able to tell you about their sustainability practices; about their animal health program and how it’s processed. You are going to walk away knowing how safe your food supply is. And how delicious it is.”
The Black Hills Farmers Market sees up to 40 vendors every Saturday, year-round. Kitzan says it’s a colorful combination of producers and craftspeople.
“The vendors are a wonder combination of all the different proteins. There are also eggs, honey, cheeses, baked goods, jams and jellies and other crafters. And sweet corn is here!”
Along with the $10 coupon purchase for $20 towards protein purchases, there will be a trivia contest with a chance to win $50 from a BHFM protein vendor. In addition, South Dakota Soil Health will operate a rainfall/erosion simulator for market goers to learn more about how agriculture protects natural resources.
Well-known Black Hills Chef Derk Phelps will be grilling and serving samples of all the proteins from 11:00a.m. – 12:30p.m.
“Chef Derek was one of the head chefs at Tally’s Silver Spoon in downtown Rapid City. He received an offer to be the chef at the South Dakota School of Mines, also in Rapid City. He is such a big supporter of the local food scene. He is fun and entertaining and an incredible chef. I would really encourage to stop by and sample all the grilled proteins he will be preparing.”
Another feature at the Black Hills Farmers Market includes savings for seniors. August is Senior Month with the market giving $5 tokens to senior citizens to be used toward any purchase. Kitzan points to sponsors like Alltech and so many others who make these special offerings possible. Additional sponsors for PRO-tein Day, August 17th are the Belle Fourche FFA Chapter, Meade/Pennington County Farmers Union, South Dakota Beef Council, South Dakota Pork Producers, and South Dakota Sheep Growers Association.
“We are trying to get as much delicious, healthy local food to the consumer as possible,” she says. “That is the ultimate goal of the Black Hills Farmers Market. It’s a win/win for so many people. Not only the special programs to help people get good quality food at a reasonable price, but it also helps the local farmers and ranchers.”
See the Black Hills Farmers Market on Facebook and plan to attend PRO-tein Day, August 17th located at Market Park East Omaha Street in Rapid City.
“The Black Hills Farmers Market offers so much to consumers,” shares Kitzan “We want to reach out to people with fresh, locally and home-grown sourced produce, proteins and more, to make this really and truly an outdoor super market.”
