The first Escalon Farmer’s Market of 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with activities centered at Main Street Park, 1771 Main.
The third Wednesday of the month throughout the spring and summer are set aside for the market, with future events slated May 21, June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20.
Coordinated through the Escalon Chamber of Commerce, market coordinator Megan McNinch said there are a number of new features for this year.
“We have partnered with eTrans of Escalon; they will be doing free rides to and from the market for patrons that live within the city limits,” McNinch said.
Rides will be available from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the market nights. Call ahead to schedule a ride at 209-541-6645. The free service is open to all patrons, you do not need to be a senior to qualify.
Also, Senior Bucks will be offered, with $10 vouchers for the first 30 senior citizens to check in with the Chamber Booth after 5 p.m. on market nights.
“They can use them for produce, bread, and eggs, if we can find another egg vendor,” McNinch said.
April’s sponsor for Senior Bucks is Farmers Insurance. Contributing sponsors during the season are Farmers Insurance, Swift Lawn and Garden, D’Boni’s Pizza, and Cromwell and Ney Insurance.
“We will be doing this at all five markets,” added McNinch.
Free ag related workshops for kids are planned this year as well and the April workshop will focus on the life cycle of a tomato, put on courtesy of Robert Swift.
“Showing the cycle from seed to ready to eat tomatoes. Each participant will receive a free tomato plant to take home and plant,” explained McNinch. “Garden Joy will also be featuring a workshop. The goal is to help children in our community learn about their food and where it comes from.”
A new program that has been in the works for a couple of years will feature street pole banners in the downtown area.
“The Chamber of Commerce has invested in 12 street pole banners to attach to the green light poles on Main Street. They will be up all year long to draw attention to Chamber events,” McNinch said. “This month there will be a Farmer’s Market banner with the dates for the market, two Love Escalon banners, and two Shred Day event banners. They will also be used for Wine Stroll and Christmas on Main as well and all Diamond Sponsors for events will be thanked on these banners as well.”
Live music scheduled for April includes The Wicked Pickles, returning musicians with rock and country covers from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; followed by Tony and the Tuff Times, a jazz/blues artist performing from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
McNinch said organizers are also very excited to have 50 vendors lined up for the first market of the season, with a full food court, produce vendors including newcomers Lad’s Home Ranch and Christine’s Garden, along with a non-profit booth hosted by Escalon Strong selling water and Gatorade at a hydration station, in addition to small snacks.
The Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club will have members on hand with seeds, plants, and to provide some educational information.
The free Kids Art Corner will have crafts, coloring and more.
Chamber officials also saluted the market supporters: Diamond Sponsors - Mendoza Ag and SSJID; Platinum Sponsor - Hogan Manufacturing, Inc.; Gold Sponsor - American Chevrolet; Silver Sponsor – BMO.
