Vendors were set up outside, many shoppers wore masks, social distancing was observed, and plenty of holiday gift buying was accomplished.
The ‘Market at the Barn’ hosted on Enterprise Road ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday this past week, Nov. 13 through 15. Hosting the event was Lorina Cajias of Lorina’s Edible Garden.
Vendors ranged from a booth set up by the Escalon Historical Society offering museum information, and plenty of Escalon-themed gifts, Kenlee Hiatt with her ‘Grace and Grit’ jewelry designs, along with olive oil, Scensty, nail coloring and a variety of handmade craft items.
“Quarantine hobby,” Hiatt, a 2016 Escalon High School alum said of how she happened to start designing earrings, bracelets and more. “Everything is handmade genuine leather, I buy a lot of jewelry and I just decided to make it for myself and share my newfound talent.”
She enjoys the creative process, she said, and will be participating in several holiday events over the next few weekends.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said of making the jewelry.
And along with saving money since she doesn’t have to buy her jewelry elsewhere anymore, she can also make a little extra cash through sales at the booth.
“Bracelets are my favorite,” Hiatt pointed out. “There are so many different varieties you can make.”
Joy Neas of Stockton had some crocheted holiday ornaments, coasters and more for sale at the booth she was hosting with her husband, Frank. The two, from Stockton, were vendors for the first time.
“I’m usually a customer,” Joy admitted. “I know Lorina and we’ve come to the Grandpa’s Barn events for the last 11 years.”
She was enjoying the chance to sit on the other side of the table this year.
For Cajias, putting on the market was a bit harder than in the past, making sure social distancing was followed along with other safety protocols.
She said shoppers were, by and large, “cool” about having to wear masks and she made sure vendors were spaced out with plenty of room in between.
“People are just excited to get outside,” she said.
Her Lorina’s Edible Garden and Magical Creations with soaps, spices, herbs, succulents, lotions and more, is open by appointment during the week, along with the upcoming weekend events.
Christmas at the Barn is planned for Dec. 4, 5 and 6 and again on Dec. 11, 12 and 13. Friday and Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday hours will be noon to 4 p.m.
Emma Silva, 16, has had a booth with her crocheted and handmade items at a few locations over the past couple of years, including Escalon’s Park Fete, and hopes to return for the Christmas at the Barn marketplace.
Meanwhile, Renee Snow had her Tacos de Nieve booth set up, cooking up fresh tacos, quesadillas, beans and rice for hungry shoppers.
Modesto residents Javier and Carmen Martin were taking the opportunity to shop on Saturday.
“It’s a nice family thing,” said Javier, “and I’m enjoying something that supports the small businesses.”
