Meet the Winners of the Salsa Contest at the Carmichael Park Farmers Markets

On Sunday, September 18, 2011 over 1,000 tastings were offered to patrons who visit the BeMoneySmartUSA Farmers Market at the Carmichael Park.  They all had the pleasure, yet difficult task of voting for their "Market Favorite Salsa".  Participants included both commercial/business entities and amateur/individual entrants.  Awards were given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in both categories.  Lines formed to taste fourteen different salsas!  Salsas entered included sweet salsas made with mangos, onions, and cilantro.  Others were more traditional with a combination of red tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro and spices.  There were mild and hot salsas that included some of the season's best jalapenos too!  There was something for everyone.  But, there was no doubt who had the best salsa and voted the Market Favorite(s).

2011 First Annual Tomato Taste Off Contest was A Huge Success!

Display of tomatoes at Carmichael Park

BeMoneySmartUSA hosted two tomato taste off contest events at their certified farmers markets on Saturday, September 10 at the Sunrise Mall and on Sunday, September 11 at the Carmichael Park.  Many of the farmers from both locations proudly entered their many varieties of tomatoes to include heirlooms, cherry and hybrid varieties to compete for recognition as being the "best tasting heirloom tomato", the "most beautiful tomato", "the meatiest tomato" and the "sweetest tomatoes".  Patrons visiting the markets had the delicious and sometimes difficult task of tasting and only being allowed to vote for one tomato favorite in each category.

Teens earn while they learn at local Certified Farmers’ Markets in Citrus Heights and Carmichael

Chelsea uses her sales skills working for Mt. Moriah

Alex & CA Pistachios

While shopping the new Farmers’ Markets at the Sunrise Mall on Saturday and at the Carmichael Park on Sunday, both open from 8-1, it is not difficult to notice the many “red-shirted” teenagers hard at work behind the booths alongside the farmers and vendors who sell their produce and products at these weekly markets.   These young people are all students of a youth entrepreneurship program offered through BeMoneySmartUSA, a local non-profit who organizes and manages both of the farmers’ markets.  The venues provide opportunities for youth to participate in the organization’s “Rent-A-Teen” program to work jobs in communication, hospitality, marketing, media, journalism, event coordination, administration, and sales.  Students applying for these jobs are required to complete a minimum of 10-12 hours of financial and business training through the non-profit’s FREE education programs.  Once the students have completed the courses, they have the opportunity to apply for job positions offered at the markets.