Plenty of visitors turned out to stroll and shop, as the Escalon Farmer’s Market – hosted by the Escalon Lions Club – had its inaugural event for 2026 on Wednesday, April 15.

It was the first of five market nights, set for the third Thursday of each month, running April through August.

“Opening Night went very well,” said Market Coordinator Megan McNinch, who helped oversee the market the last few years when it was sponsored by the Escalon Chamber of Commerce.

With the disbanding of the Chamber, the Lions Club stepped in to take over sponsorship of the market, and McNinch joined the club, so she is continuing to assist with the market.

She said one of the big draws on opening night was the free ‘Senior Bucks’ vouchers – which this year are good for $20 worth of purchases at select market vendors. There were 50 available.

“All 50 Senior Bucks vouchers were gone in less than a half hour, so coming early is key,” McNinch said.

For April, the Senior Bucks participating vendors were Christine’s Garden with local homegrown produce; Stuyt Dairy Farmstead Cheese with cheese and eggs; Oak and Ember with sourdough bread; and Green Digits Farm with microgreens.

Issues with the lawn area in the Main Street Park prompted the relocation of most vendor booths to Main Street itself, taking up the area between First and Third streets. There was music by The Wicked Pickles on the Main Street Park stage, a few vendors adjacent to the stage, the food court area at the First Street end of the park in a paved area, and the rest of the booths on the street.

“We will be having May’s market in the street again,” McNinch noted. “The people of Escalon have spoken and they loved having the market in the street, so we will also be trying June’s market in the street as well.”

She said if temperatures get too hot, however, they may have to reconsider the placement and have the market set up in the grassy park area. That decision, however, will be made closer to the June event.

“One major takeaway from Wednesday night,” added McNinch, “the street allows seniors and patrons with strollers and wagons to get around with ease. Also, the vendors were a little more spread out so people could stroll at a leisurely pace.”

Several returning vendors were on hand, with a variety of specialty products, and along with the live music, cool spring evening temperatures and plenty of food choices to enjoy dinner at the market, Lions Club officials said they were very pleased overall with the first event of 2026.

McNinch said they were able to highlight some Main Street businesses as well.

“We left space between vendors for Inspired Designs by Kathy and Pencie and Ginger so they could be part of the market flow, and I was told they did very well compared to other market nights,” McNinch explained. “The Escalon Farmer’s Market goal is to help small and local businesses thrive and putting local businesses first, so being able to have established Main Street businesses partake in the event helps drive our mission.”

The next market is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.