Hand woven Zapotec rugs from Oaxaca, Mexico, are displayed against colored stucco walls. The texture rich feeling of lanolin reminds one of the ancestral weavers in the pre Columbian era.
Ron Sullivan
Tucked away in the heart of the Santa Cruz River Valley at Interstate I-19 and Esperanza is Green Valley Village Farmers’ Market. Only a few minutes’ drive from Quail Creek, the Green Valley Village Farmer’s Market is a staple for visitors. Every Wednesday throughout the year artisans and traders set up their tents and tables to share their culinary delights and international arts and crafts. The appealing soft Mesoamerican hues and architecture of the Village’s buildings and interior plazas lure casual visitors into cascading terraces of the marketplace. Spanish acoustic guitar music performed live by Gabriel Francisco Romo greets visitors as they stroll along the vendor lined corridors.
Mexican culture is well represented. World class Mata Ortiz pottery from Chihuahua, Mexico, made by master potters is vividly displayed on colorfully blanketed tables. Hand woven Zapotec rugs from Oaxaca, Mexico, lay against stucco colored walls. The texture rich feeling of lanolin reminds one of the ancestral weavers in the pre Columbian era.
Local sellers blend with their international neighbors. Push cart vendors stroll through the open air venue offering fresh fruit and produce grown by local farmers from Sahuarita and Arivaca to Tubac. Zink’s Treats from Tucson is always a must stop for those who enjoy sampling more than 15 homemade tantalizing flavors of award winning gourmet fudge. Although not international, folks from around the globe visiting the market often stop at Zink’s for a real American treat.
Native people are also present. Navajo jeweler Arnold Begay’s beautifully crafted silver and turquoise jewelry is always a compelling stop. His custom bead work adorns walking and prayer sticks, purses and other personal items. Mary Kool, Algonquin, shares her wisdom and knowledge of indigenous peoples’ arts and crafts. A number of artisans are represented at her booth including Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Tohono O’odham, Ute and Cherokee.
Winning Farmers’ Market, Concerts in the Park, and Tai Chi amongst the trees; simply stroll thru our charming village atmosphere, picnic in the courtyards and you will enjoy an experience like no other in southern Arizona.
Bienvenidos and welcome! Summer hours at the market are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ron Sullivan is a Quail Creek resident, Mata Ortiz trader and vice president of the Green Valley Gardeners. His email address is [email protected].