The first of five scheduled Escalon Farmers Markets is on the calendar for Wednesday, April 19 in the city’s Main Street Park area.

Hours for the third Wednesday of the month market, now through August, are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., put on through the Escalon Chamber of Commerce.

Market Manager Megan McNinch said organizers are looking forward to a good run this summer, with a wide variety of vendors signed up to participate in the opening market.

“We’re just trying to get people out there,” she said of encouraging residents to attend, with fresh produce, handcrafts, food booths and more all part of the event.

SONS Farm Fresh out of Oakdale is a main produce vendor signed up for this year, while there are also six main food vendors that will be on site to serve up some dinner options through the evening hours.

“There will also be sweets and treats, cotton candy,” McNinch noted. “We also will have live music for all five events.”

Also planned is an Art Corner where youngsters can come and do some art activities for free and an Ag Corner for some hands on instruction in planting, with kids able to take home an item. Face painting will be offered as well.

“We also have sponsors this year,” McNinch said.

Helping to defray costs for putting on the event are major sponsor South San Joaquin Irrigation District in addition to Golden State Staffing, Mendoza Ag and Laura Catrina, Realtor.

There are plans to bring in some misters and additional shade canopies as the weather warms later this summer, and McNinch said they are hoping to both grow the market each month in terms of vendors and offerings, as well as make it a family-friendly destination.

Futures dates, along with the April 19 session, are May 17, June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16.