Kid-friendly activities offered on third Thursdays at market this summer
Now celebrating its third consecutive year of delighting children and their parents, the Westchase District Farmers Market’s Farm-tastic Summer Series for Kids recently kicked off on June 20. The afternoon was filled with lots for everyone to see, taste and experience.
Beekeeping demos
The series was designed to encourage families to put down the electronics, to discover fresh, local foods and prepared products, and to meet the farmers and artisans who grow and make them. Pat D’Agrella of PEAS Farm in Conroe displayed a beehive under glass and spoke to kids about the art of beekeeping and the important role bees play in agriculture. Chris Kohnke, owner of Pure Texas Honey in Katy, had netted helmets and beekeeping equipment to share while discussing the details of his profession.
In addition to the beekeeping demonstrations, local caricature artist Jonathan Sorrells drew free portraits for customers. Also on hand at the market were members of the Harris County Master Gardeners, who helped children plant microgreens that they could take home and nurture over the summer. Local musician Kevin Kaufman entertained shoppers with live music on flute and saxophone.
Two more chances
Don’t worry if you missed the June event, Westchase District has two more Farm-tastic days planned this summer. On Thursday, July 18, we’ll have a petting zoo from 3 to 6 p.m. Featuring various barnyard creatures, kids will have all afternoon to pet the animals, pick them up and take plenty of pictures with them.
Then, on Thursday, August 15, Pat D’Agrella from PEAS Farm will teach kids how make their own pickles that they’ll be able to take home and enjoy. Plus, we’ll have free face painting as well as a pet parade through the market, so dress up your pets and bring them ready to strut their stuff.
On both Thursdays, the Harris County Master Gardeners will return with kid-friendly activities. And if it’s not too windy, we’ll have a special wall on the Westchase District Farmers Market tent with a caricature farm scene featuring two cutouts where shoppers can place their faces for fun selfies. Each child will receive a reusable shopping bag and $2.00 of “Market Moolah” to spend at the market (while supplies last). The Westchase District Farmers Market is open every Thursday starting at 3 p.m. at the southwest corner of Westheimer and Rogerdale.
