With temperatures for the day peaking in the mid-70s and abundant bright sunshine very much in evidence, the conditions were perfect for Escalon’s first Farmer’s Market of the season.
Booths were set up throughout the Main Street Park area, while musicians performed on stage, food booths were set up in the paved area to the west of the park and there was also an art station for kids.
Fresh fruits and vegetables in season, including some organically grown produce, locally made cheeses, honey, homemade jams, sweet treats and more were featured at the various booths. There were also crafts booths, fresh flowers for purchase and some young entrepreneurs taking part.
Favorite returning food offerings ranged from Tacos de Nieve to Flip ‘n Fry, while there was coffee and shaved ice available as well.
Denise Lopez and Dolly Lopez of Frontier Organics set up shop for the Wednesday, April 16 market, which ran from 5 pm. to 8 p.m.
“We’re local, so a lot of people like our products, our all natural and organic skin care,” Denise said of the Oakdale-based business.
She added that it was the first time they have taken part in the Escalon market and they enjoyed the atmosphere and the crowd.
“We’re having a ball,” she said.
Put on through the Escalon Chamber of Commerce, market coordinator Megan McNinch said it seemed like everyone was ready for the event to get started up again for the year, as there was a big rush as soon as the market officially opened at 5 p.m.
“It was packed,” McNinch said.
There were more than four dozen vendors signed up to take part in the first of the five scheduled markets; the Chamber-sponsored event will run each third Wednesday of the month through August.
A trio of area youngsters was enjoying a snack break, with two of them opting for shave ice, Emilia Shaw, 5 and Reagan Shaw, 4, digging in to the cool treat while Hallie Rokaitis – almost five – was eating a burger and fries purchased at the food court area.
There was face painting by Sonya Huff, the Chamber booth had free $10 vouchers for those 55 and older for use in purchasing produce items from participating vendors, and hay bales were set up in front of the Main Street stage for those who wanted to sit and enjoy eating or sipping while listening to the music.
Throughout the park area, the crowd took advantage of the warm late spring weather, enjoying the chance to meet up with friends, do a little shopping and support local businesses.
Also on view along Main Street were several new light pole banners, purchased by the Chamber, advertising such events as Love Escalon, which is coming up on Saturday, April 26; the full Farmer’s Market schedule and a Shredding Event set for May 17.
The next market will be May 21, followed by June 18, July 16 and closing out the 2025 schedule on Aug. 20.
