This week I added a new section to Mid-Valley Kids Calendar: Farmers Markets and CSA's. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model of farming wherein members ("community") purchase shares in the year's harvest and then receive a basket of produce weekly throughout the growing season. This model benefits small farms by providing resources for planting and by establishing a consistent customer set. And here's the really exciting part: CSA's benefit the members by supplying fresh (possibly harvested within hours of delivery), local, often organic produce that is at the very height of its season and its nutritious deliciousness. Your family receives a (usually overflowing) basket of an interestingly delicious variety of fruits and vegetables. And my favorite part is that every box contains produce I would normally buy, and then some I have never tried, along with recipes for the week. What a wonderful project for your children, learning about foods that come straight from our Oregonian soil. In the spirit of summer dreaming, I encourage you to explore the CSA's listed here and consider signing up. Most CSA's are now establishing their memberships and some are filling up quickly. I signed my family up this week. One more reason I can't wait for summer.
With the weather warming up, grab your raincoat and boots and check out this week's Kid Pick For Fun: The Willamette Wanderers Walking Club. Check out their website and find a great stroll in Salem and around Marion and Polk counties. You can walk with just your kids, grab a friend for a walking date, or contact the Willamette Wanderers for a walking companion.
On the calendar this week, don't miss No Music Hour at Salem's Riverfront Carousel, an opportunity for those with sensory differences to experience the Carousel in a calmer environment. Also, the libraries around the Mid-Willamette Valley are offering storytime and programs throughout the week for kids and families.
So get your family out there and breathe some fresh air this week. Send me some pictures of your activities, and if you have an event you'd like included in the Calendar, just email me here. Happy spring, everyone!
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Friday, February 22, 2013
Gear up for a wonderful weekend with your children! This weekend in the Mid-Willamette Valley, the calendar offers lots of adventure and exciting activities for your family.
Portland Comic Con 2013 is happening all weekend, and although Portland is out of my normal scope, here at Mid-Valley Kids Calendar, I couldn't help get excited about this major event, just an hour away! So pack up your little Spider Men and Wonder Women, or your Harrys and Bellas, and embark on an epic journey to the Northland (a.k.a. the Oregon Convention Center).
If the winter blahs are upon you, the Corvallis Winter Farmers Market at the Benton County Fairgrounds will get you in the spirit of spring. You can be a locavore year round and your family enjoy the delicious bounty of Oregon!
For an activity a little closer to home this weekend, check out Family Clay Sunday at Willamette Art Center. This Sunday create Leprechauns and Pots of Gold with your kids. Come back next week to glaze and fire your creations, just in time for St. Patrick's Day!
I wish your family loads of fun and activity out-and-about in Salem. Don't forget to look to your right to find lots and lots more ideas and resources. Let me know what adventure your kids got into this weekend. And if you have an activity or business you would like added to the calendar, just email me! Enjoy!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Happy Presidents' Day!
Children and families have some great activities lined up this week in the Salem area! Weekdays are a great time to explore the Mid-Willamette Valley's every-day offerings of fun for kids. Look to your right to find a fantastic list of ideas to get your family out and about. Kid Pick for Fun this week is N.W. Kids Club, where children 6 months to 7 years can socialize, develop their creativity, and exercise in a fabulous indoor playground, complete with large play equipment, a bounce house, theme rooms, and lots of room to run. N.W. Kids Club is open Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00 and costs $5 per visit (punchcard purchase required). On our last visit my toddler loved the giant slide and the dress-up room where she met a friend and played Princess and Railroad Conductor!
Be sure not to miss the excitement at Gilbert's Discovery Village this week. Every day, the Village has an opportunity for kids to explore and learn. Parents will like the free admission to the museum for several of these special events. Don't miss the Mini-Maker Faire all day today where children can learn about technology and engineering and see amazing demonstrations of heritage skills like blacksmithing.
Hope you have a wonderful week! Let us know what exciting adventures your family got into around Marion, Polk, Yamhill, and Linn counties. I'd love to hear your stories about the activities you read about here at Mid-Valley Kids Calendar. And if you have an event you'd like listed on the calendar, just shoot me an email. Have fun out there!
