The first Farmers Market of the 2014 season was staged on Wednesday, May 7 and kicked off the season a month earlier than last year, with Wednesday evenings at the park now filled with vendors, food, and entertainment.
The vendors were prepping their booths and tables with their goods on Wednesday so that they were ready to open at 5 p.m. for the public to walk through, browse and buy.
The Randy Mandy band set up shortly after and played a variety of tunes for the attendees.
“The First Farmers Market went very well,” stated Darlene Barber-Martinez, Riverbank city councilmember. “The music was great.”
Rodin Farms had a booth set up with farm fresh sweet cherries for sale along with dried peaches and several other items.
“I brought some very sweet cherries from Rodin Farms,” Barber-Martinez agreed.
Soria’s Produce had a variety of items that were offered to guests that attended the Farmers Market, ranging from jam, nuts, apples, bananas and oranges, to asparagus, squash, melons and much more.
Vander Helm Farms had a table with fresh blueberries that are locally grown.
Bogdanich Farms from Patterson had fresh baked goods on hand like pies, and pastries as well as a variety of jams and fruits.
Bava Farms out of Modesto had a selection of onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, fava beans and much more at their booth.
The City of Riverbank Parks and Recreation Department had a game of cornhole set up and hula hoops for kids and others to use and enjoy. Parks and Rec assistant, Jackie Hernandez manned the city’s booth and supervised the kids playing the games.
There were several food vendors on hand to offer guests a variety of food like Central Valley Community Resources that had beef and chicken tacos available for a dollar and water or soda to wash it down.
“Central Valley Community Resources’ food booth was a success,” said Barber-Martinez. “We are raising funds for our projects such as Senior Brunch Fridays, Thanksgiving Holiday Food Giveaway for Residential Care Homes, Foster Youth Luggage Drive, and for the participants of Senior Meals on Wheels Program.”
Oaxacan Tamales offered pork, chicken, and other custom homemade tamales for guests that were hungry. Looney Bin 2 BBQ Team had their tent set up with tri-tip sandwiches, ribs, pasta salad and nachos.
For lighter refreshments Dazzle Dogs Kettle Corn may have been the choice with a lemon shaker to wash it down. There was a Scentsy booth set up if you needed wickless candles and Pam’s Crafts that had aprons and other items.
Stephen and Robyn Anderson brought the family out to enjoy the food and live band and to just have a family outing.
“Overall, everyone seemed to enjoy the Market,” added Barber-Martinez. “There was something for everyone; food and craft vendors, fresh fruits and vegetables, and activities for children.”
The Farmers Market will continue every Wednesday through Sept. 17 at the Community Center from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The market will feature a special senior vouchers/health and safety night on Wednesday, May 28.
For more information, call 209-869-4541 or visit the riverbankchamber.org website.
