Originally scheduled for three months – running in May, June and July – the success of the Downtown Farmers Market in Escalon will see a couple more events staged in the Main Street Park this year.
Sponsored by the Escalon Chamber of Commerce, officials said the second Thursday of the month markets were generally well attended, giving residents the opportunity to peruse a number of booths. They are planning to put together a couple more activities in the fall, but don’t have exact dates or specific themes yet.
This past week, temperatures reached the upper 90s, keeping the crowd number down slightly at the July 14 market, but there were still a variety of booths serving up produce, merchandise, food and more.
Rachelle Fast, owner of Fast Farms on St. John, was busy at her booth visiting with customers and assisting them with purchases of fresh fruits grown on the farm.
“This is our first Farmers Market ever … ever,” she said of herself and assistant Macey Allen. “I think it’s good, we learned a lot.”
Shopper Denise Ellis of Escalon took a chance on a unique purchase, dropping a cube into water and watching what was uncovered after the cube ‘fizzed’ out. The item was offered at the booth featuring both the Sassy Designs by Tiffany and Starlight, Starbright Bomb Party by Elizabeth. McNeely was pleased to receive a sterling silver ring with a lab created green opal. It was worth more than she paid for it, assuring she would leave the booth happy.
Amanda Taylor, who lives on Hall Road, had her HomeSown Flowers for sale, set up at a booth with the farm pick-up also on display.
“This is the first time we’ve done a Farmers Market,” Taylor said, adding that they have been growing flowers at the property for four years.
Along with now taking part in the monthly market, they also use the pick-up on their Hall Road property for a self-serve flower stand.
Elsewhere, Renee Flores had items for sale at her SubliCreations booth and was also taking orders for specialty tumblers, as a fundraising program for Escalon youth football and cheer.
Food for sale included a popular returning vendor, Rollin’ Smoke BBQ out of Oakdale, which cooks up pork ribs, pork belly bites, pulled pork, brisket, tri tip, smoked chicken and smoked salmon.
Music again was featured and the summer evening offerings also included cold drinks, face painting, a chance for visiting and finding some unique items.
Market dates during the spring and summer were May 12, June 9 and July 14; dates for additional Main Street Park events hosted by the Chamber later this fall are to be announced.
