Mar 14, 2022 -

Spring farmer’s markets in full swing

By Sydney Morgan

Flowers aren’t the only thing blossoming this season.

Farmer’s Markets are starting to bring in more people as warmer weather begins, especially after the winter months and Covid-19 precautions.

The natural Vitamin D from the sun is putting smiles on Fresno County locals as they scope out what produce, merchandise, and food trucks the county has to offer.

The Vineyard Farmer Market is appealing with all its greenery, which encourages people to get out and enjoy what nature offers.
(CC: Visit Fresno County)

Small businesses set up their booths, selling an array of things like dinosaur puzzles, jewelry, soaps, gems, stones, and other merchandise.

Farmers wake up before the sun and head to the market location to set up a booth displaying their produce.

Signs are scattered around River Park to bring attention to what they are offering at their location.

The produce booths include items like mushrooms, oranges, strawberries, and even fresh farmed eggs.

Sarah Rojo, a Fresno local, brings her family out to partake in the event.

“I love coming here, getting fresh fruits and vegetables and then [being] able to walk around and have something to do and enjoy the beautiful weather,” said Rojo.

Rojo isn’t the only local coming out. Many people stopped by to look at vendors and booths and enjoy some food truck items. It encouraged people to stop at surrounding stores, which benefits the economy overall.

When it comes to vendors specifically, the process of getting from farm to table is not an easy task, but it doesn’t stop them from attending markets like this.

Mary Pat Larralde, who runs her own flower business, which was named after her dog Wynnie, said that Farmers Markets are her primary outlet for her company.

Wynnie’s Flower Farm allows you to build your own bouquet which is one way to bring a piece of spring into your home.

“Right now my production is just starting to beef up,” Larralde said, “I’m going to open a farm stand on the farm which is at Fowler and Shepherd.”

Larralde has help from her husband while setting up. This includes pulling out her bulb gardens and different flowers, which she puts into buckets.

For those who can’t make it to River Park on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings, there are many other farmer’s markets in Fresno County including The Old Town Farmers Market in Clovis and The Vineyard Farmer’s Market in Fresno.

The Old Town Farmers Market takes place in Old Town Clovis Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

The Vineyard Farmer’s Market is open Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until noon.

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