October brings the Hunter’s Moon
Last month we wrote about September’s Harvest Moon, when the longer lunar light meant more harvest time for farmers. October has its own moon, too – the Hunter’s Moon.
You may have seen its first rise, on Monday, October 6. Miss it? Try again Tuesday and/or Wednesday nights.
The reason for the name follows the same logic that gives us the Harvest Moon: The bright light of this moon allowed ancient hunters to track game after the harvest had been brought in during September. By the time winter sets in, their larders would be full.
This full moon is also a supermoon, meaning it is at its closest point to Earth, so it appears bigger and brighter than usual.
It should achieve peak illumination about 12 minutes before midnight.
Two things should make this moon easier to see: It will rise low on the horizon. And, unlike other full moons, it will rise at about the same time for several nights.
It’s apple time in Michigan
To most folks, Michigan is at its best in fall. And not just for its glorious shades of red, gold and yellow (and maybe blue). There are the great fall crops including squash, pumpkins – and, particularly in Michigan – apples. Those perfectly portable nutrition bombs are everywhere this time of year, including at the Market’s second annual Apple Dessert Bake-Off! Click here for more info.
Apples are prime players in Michigan’s agricultural efforts. The state is the nation's second-largest apple producer, growing more than 16 varieties including Gala, Honeycrisp and McIntosh. In fact, Michigan boasts of some 850 family-run farms and 17.6 million apple trees. The state's unique climate with cool nights and warm days helps develop the apples' flavor and color.
Apples were also important in Farmington’s agricultural story. By the early 1900s, apple and small fruit orchards flourished throughout Farmington township, which today is Farmington Hills. The Howard and Button families both had apple orchards around Farmington. At the Market, check out the apples at our farmers’ tables, including Kapnick Orchards and R & B Miller Farm.
This Saturday, be sure to put apples at the top of your list.
Click here to learn more about our farmers and gatherers, and here for a map of where they farm or gather. Click here for a list of our vendors.
We are an award-winning market and a trusted source of healthy, local and sustainable produce. We offer a vibrant marketplace with music and special programs that create a nourishing community connection. We are open rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays now through the first Saturday in November at the Sundquist Pavilion, 33113 Grand River Avenue, in downtown Farmington.
You won’t want to miss …
A weekly basket of goodies
Don’t forget to stop by the Information Tent every Saturday and register for the weekly Market Basket drawing. All of our vendors keep the basket well-stocked with generous donations. Be sure to register by noon for a chance to take it all home.
