Here's a twist on a theme. the NE PopUp Farmers Market will appear from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursdays in September at 509 1st Av. NE in Minneapolis, across from the Red Stag Supperclub. The market is free for farmer-vendors. Vendors may have as little as a single line of produce, or a range of offerings. Organizers say the market will include dried beans, kimchee, amaranth, a tea lounge and hula hooping demonstrations. Music will be performed from 4 to 7 p.m., with food for sale from the Red Stag and Chef Shack.
Back to school lunch ideas
Kids aren't the only ones dreading certain aspects of a new school year. Consider parents faced with packing healthy lunches that actually will get eaten. The Fresh Bites blog from Allrecipes.com has 100 suggestions for foods and prep. Freeze yogurt to keep a lunch cold. Mix tofu and peanut butter to make a creamier, leaner spread. Send a hot dog in an insulated container of boiling water for a hot lunch. PB&J quesadillas? To learn more, visit www.freshbites blog.com.
Gluten-free gets a party Speaking of lunchboxes, Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op, 622 Selby Av. in St. Paul, www.msmarket. coop, will have its third annual Gluten-Free Lunchbox Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 15. Vendors will answer questions about their products, you can pick up a list of the gluten-free products at the co-op, and try some samples. The fair will also feature live music, free popcorn, recipe cards, lunchbox tips, prize giveaways and educational resources.
Fly the coops If you've thought of raising backyard chickens, or just like to look at chickens, the annual Parade of Chicken Coops is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. More than 20 coops in the metro are featured in this self-guided tour. You can talk with the owners, examine various structures and get tips for winter-hardy breeds. Free maps are available at Egg|Plant Urban Farm Supply, 1771 Selby Av., St. Paul, or access an interactive map online at Twin Cities Coop Tour, bit.ly/caoLKD.
