Many large cities have covered markets where local farmers, beekeepers, bakers, brewers, gardeners and passionate collectors sell their products directly to consumers and since the summer of 2010, Utrecht finally  has its own too! The spacious 1832m2 Zijdebalenhal is open seven times each year hosting dozens of stalls with lots of edible products. One of its objectives is to familiarise consumers with locally produced food. In 2011 the market will take place on September 10 - 11, October 8 - 9, November 12 - 13 and December 10 - 11.