A new initiative is taking root in Escalon.
A weekly Farmer’s Market has been in operation for the past few weeks and organizer Andrea McCoy said they hope to keep it going on in to the fall.
“We have new vendors coming in, we have to be patient with the seasons, as crops are coming in,” McCoy explained.
The market runs each Saturday, currently scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the June 23 edition featured several vendors, though some wrapped up early as the heat soared to near triple digits. The market is at 2996 McHenry.
“We own this property and we thought we would open up the parking lot,” McCoy said of putting it to good use as a showcase for local farmers and artisans. “We want to try to push through October.”
Some popular staples such as sweet corn, nectarines and peaches were available at this past Saturday’s market, while there were also vendors with crocheted rugs, vegan and gluten-free specialty items, a microgreens booth and, from neighboring Oakdale, the Bloomingcamp Ranch booth with bakery favorites.
McCoy said they are always on the lookout for more vendors to come join in; she can be reached at 209-480-7615 for more information.
Sydnee Kennedy, the pastry chef and owner at Spelt & Darner, a cottage bakery in Linden, offers custom cakes and pastries and also puts on culinary workshops around the area.
“I believe every small town should have a farmer’s market,” Kennedy said, noting that she plans to attend on a regular basis.
Escalon resident Jamie Rupe was setting up shop on behalf of Chessie’s Creamery, owned by Chessie Garcia. Rupe’s daughter Breanne Rupe works with Garcia and they bake a number of heart healthy items in a commercial kitchen in Turlock.
Among the offerings at the booth on Saturday, coconut almond bars, peanut butter balls, banana bread and more, the products featuring items designed for those who are gluten-free, vegan or paleo.
“Chessie and Breanne are the bakers, and everything is packaged by hand,” said Rupe. “A lot of love goes into this.”
Local teen Joe Wolaver was making sure the fresh fruits and vegetables at the Delfa’s Garden booth – from their farm on South Henry Road in Escalon – were arranged for display and ready for purchase.
Sweet corn from Brentwood was the primary offering at the G&S farms booth, drawing customers Ken and Monet Hilberg of Escalon.
It was the first week they have made it to the new market, Monet said, and they were enjoying not only getting some fresh produce but also purchased some corn bread and cookies from among the vendors.
“They’re amazing,” Monet said of the treats.
Elsewhere, music was provided by flutist Mackenzie Schrotenboer and Sonya Huff offered face painting. The Pony Espresso was also on hand for those looking for a beverage to sip while they shopped.
George Manriquez, owner of We The People Farms, had a wide variety of microgreens for sale and Misty Thurman Gookin had hand crocheted rugs – done by her mom – available for purchase as well as providing information on art classes and paint parties she does locally.
All in all, McCoy said the market is slowly gaining a foothold and its ‘Small Town Roots’ slogan is one she feels is appropriate, with hopes of expanding the market a little more each week.
