A few business people in the downtown area have organized an effort to return Farmers Market to Riverbank.

Tayler Buich, co-owner of the soon to open Coffee Bruin shop on Santa Fe Street, has been asking around to see if other businesses, or even just plain citizens, will contribute feedback and indicate interest in the idea of restarting the weekly, summer time events.

Like other towns around the area, Riverbank started its original market on downtown streets, spreading out from the intersection of Third and Santa Fe streets, in 2003. The idea originated with then City Clerk Linda Abid-Cummings, who kept it going, with support from city councils involved over the years.

Buich related that “The city has been super supportive of the idea and we will be moving forward with organizing a market downtown on Santa Fe Street. The Downtown Business Coalition will be organizing the event.”

In short, she noted, “the business owners in downtown Riverbank have started a “coalition” that organizes events and makes decisions that impact the small business owners” of downtown.

She said they’ve begun planning activities for this year. The markets have been tentatively planned on Tuesday evenings 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., May 18 through September, Buick added.

She’s begun a list of possible vendors who might wish to participate.

“We are making this event extremely affordable and as easy as possible for anyone who wants to participate. Preference will, of course, be given to local folks. We are putting a heavy focus on food and fresh produce vendors.”

They will also welcome arts, crafter, jewelry, nonprofits and informational booths, she said.

Within just a few hours of posting this information on Riverbank-oriented social media, Buich reported she had had more than 30 potential vendors contact her.

She did note that the project does need final approval from the Riverbank City Council, and they’re planning on appearing at the April 27 council meeting.

“We are not at all concerned about getting approval, as we have been working closely with council members, but we do need to go through the proper steps to make this official,” Buich said.

It’s possible others who might want to support the resumption of the market will add their voices to the meeting.

In addition to the usual booths, past Farmers Markets have featured a wide variety of local performing artists, providing some entertainment for shoppers.