Kicking off under sunny skies and continuing a welcome tradition that goes back to 2003, the Riverbank Certified Farmer’s Market has returned to the Community Center Park. The weekly market promises another summer of fresh fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables.
Prepared foods and community and recreation booths are also brought in for the evening and special themed nights are planned, with the market running each Wednesday evening throughout the summer months.
Guests strolling through the park on ‘opening night’ on May 27 were offered a variety of things like a free massage by Escalon Physical Medicine, a Jamberry booth with nail art, and doTerra consultants with essential oils. There was a variety of food to choose from like tacos, nachos, corn provided by Central Community Resource, Kettle Korn, Sandy Candy and two new vendors to the market, Wood Fired Pizza and Potato Works.
Marlene Champlin and Garnette Martin manned the Riverbank Chamber of Commerce booth where they had several pamphlets of information to hand out to interested visitors.
Marina Campbell, Paulette Roberson, and Judie Hardie had a booth set up for the Riverbank Historical Society where guests could purchase the Riverbank book or a T-shirt as a fundraiser.
Initially started in 2003 by city staff, when it was held in front of the Historical Museum on Santa Fe Street, the Farmer’s Market has had several sponsors over the years, including the Chamber of Commerce and Community Garden enthusiasts. It has been held in the street near Riverbank City Hall, in the Community Center Park, at the Plaza del Rio Park when it was completed, then moved to the parking lot between Galaxy Theatre and Cool Hand Luke’s on Patterson Road before returning to Community Center Park, where it remains again this year, again under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce.
Live music and other performers are scheduled for the weekly event through the summer. The Rob Hill Band brought a jazz-blues sound to the stage for opening night, Wednesday, May 27. They returned to the venue in a slightly different configuration from last year.
Speaking of last year’s performers, Music Man Bob Hopper is scheduled to return with his karaoke-style performances of classic hits at tonight’s event, June 3. A special car show is also expected to hit the streets as well and the movie ‘The Incredibles’ will be screened for attendees at dusk.
Next week (June 10) should see the Fun Strummer’s Ukulele Band take the stage, along with Senior Coupon Night, when local seniors will be able to get coupons for purchasing fresh produce at the market.
With a long list of activities for the family to enjoy, the Farmer’s Market is sure to entertain all and in June and July there will be movie nights at the park, with ‘Up’ the featured film for next week, Wednesday, June 10.
News reporter Virginia Still contributed to this report.
