As the days heat up and we inch inexorably toward summer, it’s time for Sonoma County’s farmer’s markets to get cranking again.
Soda Rock Farms produce is top notch. Photo by Al Mueller.
Most of the markets, including the famous Occidental Bohemian Farmer’s Market (Friday evenings), will open over the next two weeks. Some, such as the ones in downtown Santa Rosa (Wednesday nights), Petaluma’s Walnut Park (Saturdays), and downtown Healdsburg (Saturday mornings), opened earlier this month.
There also are some new entrants to the farmer’s market scene: Starting June 4, Rohnert Park is launching a Friday night market at the library parking lot next to the City Center Plaza.
Every market is different.
In Cloverdale, for instance, the Friday night market includes live concerts. In downtown Sonoma, the Tuesday night market boasts special programming for children. The downtown Santa Rosa market organizes live chef demonstrations, and will offer a bungee-jump for kids.
Oh, and at the Occidental market, shoppers can enjoy a plateful of paella from Gerard’s Paella, a Sebastopol company that specializes in paellas with the diameter of a small child.
Of course the one characteristic shared by all Sonoma County markets is the abundance of fresh produce. While each market has the usual sampling of baked goods, fresh fish and fresh meats, the main attraction is, of course, the fresh produce. Early-season bounties include potatoes, artichokes, squash and more. For a list of all local farmers markets, click here.
Pingback: Tweets that mention We didn't invent the Farmers Market, but we certainly have some of the best around. Check one out today -- Topsy.com