This Saturday, June 1, is the first Foodie Four Mile, a fun run/walk to raise funds for the Northeast Farmers Market and the Emergency Foodshelf Network. It starts at 8 a.m. at the Pioneers statue in B. F. Nelson Park by the Mississippi. From there, the route follows the Mississippi River, crosses the Stone Arch Bridge, winds through the west-side wooded parks, then returns to Northeast via the Plymouth Bridge.
Instead of the usual race T-shirts, the souvenirs are chefs aprons containing $5 in Northeast Farmers Market Bucks. It’s a green event, with no plastic bags, bottles or non-compostable waste. Costumes, dogs, and strollers are not only welcome, they’re encouraged. And in case you, like me, aren’t a runner, walking is just fine. There’s even a short cut at the end if you’re not feeling up for the whole thing!
After the race, with your metabolism up, head to Opening Day at the Northeast Farmers Market, just four blocks away on 7th and University Avenues. Eastside Food Co-op, Equal Exchange, and Great Harvest Bread Company will have cookies, bananas, trail mix, wheat biscuits, iced coffee, tea, and more for race participants. Enjoy live music and spend your five free Market Bucks with any of this year’s vendors, including some of the cities’ best food trucks: Natedogs, The Moral Omnivore, and Hot Indian. Families can check out kid-friendly options like Smoothie Cycle, a children’s tent, and the Budding Farmers program, which connects children with the food they see at the market.
You can register for the race in advance at Active.com, or at B.F. Nelson Park the morning of the event (from 6:50 to 7:45 a.m.). Cost is $35, and proceeds go to the Farmers Market and Emergency Foodshelf.
Foodie Four Mile
B. F. Nelson Park
434 Main St. NE, Mpls.
Northeast Farmers Market
7th Avenue and University Ave. NE, Mpls.
June 1 – October 19, 2013
Open Saturday, rain or shine, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
northeastmarket.org
