The North State is fortunate to have several year-round farmer’s markets in many of our communities, and summertime brings more seasonal markets overflowing with good food, fun and entertainment.
Farmer’s markets are a great place to introduce your kids to new foods. Beyond the huge variety of produce, there are usually vendors selling locally raised or sourced meats, cheeses, honey, and more. Most vendors will offer samples and are always happy to talk to you about their products. This is a wonderful opportunity for your kids to learn about how their food is grown – especially when you let them pick out their own produce.
At Redding’s Saturday Farmers Market you can find the freshest of produce from Churn Creek Meadow Organic Farm, or The Red Gate Ranch. Burlison’s Fruit Stand will have just-picked delicious Red Haven peaches. As you’re shopping, you can grab a quick snack or a full meal for later. Fresh tamales from Tamales Colima and jerky from StarWalker’s Organic Farms are big market favorites, along with hot coffee and delicious baked goods at From the Hearth Kitchen and Pie Shop.
Redding market celebrates 45 years
This market, which runs from April-December, is celebrating its 45th year this summer, making it one of the longest running markets in California. Located behind City Hall, the market has 65 vendors, and some of them have been selling their goods there since it opened in 1977.
Patricia Funari, a market board member and owner of Funari Sausage, says, “At this year’s market, we are really wanting to showcase the history of the market and its strong community partnerships. Soon we will be giving away special fabric reusable totes to commemorate the 45 years, sponsored by Gerlinger Steel and printed by Lawson Treasures.”
Chef at the Market is a popular attraction/event, featuring local chefs who shop vendors at the market and then create special dishes onsite. Market shoppers can watch the whole process and taste samples when the cooking is complete. Chef at the Market is sponsored by Owens Pharmacy and takes place on June 25, July 23 and August 20.
Chen Narens, a Redding Saturday Market board member and owner of Lavineyard Farms, says, “Supporting your local friendly farmers, makers and creators is supporting your local economy. These are people that you see daily throughout your community, like one big family. When you are enjoying the mug your bought from an artisan, or the local honey or fruit from a local grower, you feel connected to them and that makes our community stronger.”
Local music and fun
Several communities have turned farmer’s markets into a community celebration. Chico’s Thursday Night Market, Paradise’s Party in the Park and Redding’s Saturday Farmers Market all feature live bands, dance groups, kids activities, demonstrations, and more.
A regular crowd favorite, Neighborhood Swing Trio, will be playing at the Redding Saturday Market July 2 and August 20. The mood they create is easy, with influences of country and blues, punctuated with an occasional Bavarian polka. The trio has been playing at the market for more than 10 years. “It is absolutely our favorite event to perform at,” says John Tiedemen, trio member. “We love the community interaction.” John says the casual environment means, “Kids and market goers feel comfortable coming up to us on breaks to talk about their instruments or to relive a memory a song brought up to them.” The trio includes John (mandolin and guitar), Joy Stander (clarinet) and Diana Kelley (accordion).
John says the three have all been making music since they were about 10 years old: “We all have a strong passion for music.” According to John, both he and Joy picked up their love of music from their mothers, who also played instruments. “That wasn’t the same for Diana — neither of her parents played. She spent all her savings from her piggy bank to buy her first accordion when a traveling instrument salesmen came through town.”
Chico’s Thursday Night Market features different musical groups each week, and the Chico Saturday Market has a lively atmosphere with local musicians providing the perfect accompaniment for hot breakfast burritos. This is one of the busiest markets in the region, with dozens of vendors offering everything from honey to flowers, to the freshest produce, meats and cheeses.
Special activities for kids
Paradise’s Party in the Park has a sponsored Kid’s zone, featuring different local non-profits like Butte County Art on Wheels, Paradise Friends of the Library, and Youth For Change. Each week there will be a different craft or activity to engage your kids.
“We like to be involved in our community,” says Amy Leonard Sperske, President of the Paradise Friends of the Library. “We meet people every day that don’t know what the Friends of the Library Groups are. Being a part of this event not only helps us educate the community about what we do, we get to further strengthen our connection to the families on the Ridge.”
At the Redding market, North State Parent magazine hosts a special kid’s activity every third Saturday of the month, and Redding Master Gardening club is providing free seeds and gardening booklets.
When you visit:
- Get there when the market opens to scoop up fresh flowers, have your pick of produce and fill up on a hot breakfast pastry.
- Bring a basket or reusable bags to carry your purchases.
- Bring some cash – some vendors do not accept credit cards. For a teachable moment, give your child their own money to purchase produce for the family, and help create healthy habits.
- Wear sunscreen, and bring a hat and extra water.
- Nutrition assistance programs can be used at most markets. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly benefits to millions of low-income families. Since 2017, families have been able to use their EBT cards to purchase fresh fruits and vegetable at local farmer’s markets.
Find your nearest farmers market & make plans for fresh food and fun:
MONDAY MARKETS
Mt. Shasta Farmers Market – 3:30-6pm. 402 N. Mt.Shasta Blvd.
Paradise – 4:30-7:30pm Holiday Market Parking Lot
TUESDAY MARKETS
Gridley – First Tuesday of the Month, 5-7:30pm. Daddow Park
Corning Tuesday Night Market – 5-7:30pm. Solano St. between 3rd and 6th Sts.
Paradise Farmers Market – 7:30am-noon. 6491 Clark Rd.
Redding-Marilyn Miller Market – 7:30am-noon. 1700 churn Creek Rd.
WEDNESDAY MARKETS
Burney Farmers Market – 3-6pm 37427 Highway 299 East
Chico Farmers Market – 7:30-1pm North Valley Plaza Mall Parking Lot
Paradise Party In The Park Music & Marketplace – 6-8:30pm 5570 Black Olive Dr.
Red Bluff Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market – 5-8pm Washington & Pine Sts.
Yreka Certified Farmers Market – 10am-1pm. 1312 Fairlane Rd.
THURSDAY MARKETS
Anderson Market – 7:30am-noon 1688 California 273 #100
Chico Thursday Night Market – 6-9pm. 126 W. Third St.
Palo Cedro Farmers Market – 3-6pm. 22037 Old 44 Drive
SATURDAY MARKETS
Chico Farmers Market – 7:30am-1pm. 126 W. Third St.
Etna Farmers Market – 10am-noon. 514 N. Hwy
Oroville Farmers Market – 7am-noon. 1200 Myers St.
Red Bluff Market By The River – 9am-noon. 100 Main St.
Redding Farmers Market Circle – 7:30am-noon. 777 Cypress Ave.
SUNDAY MARKETS
Market by Sundial Bridge – 8am-noon. 800 Sundial Bridge Rd., Sacramento River Trail, Redding
Neighborhood Swing Trio is a regular at the Redding Saturday Farmers Market.
Music at the Markets
Chico’s Thursday Night Market
Multiple performers, along with magician Kris Bentz and balloon artist Michael Taylor.
June 2 Matthew Silva, Serena Faith, Debajito
June 9 Season of Us, Reece Thompson
June 16 Ron Bruder, Natalia Rubiano
June 23 California Dreamin
June 30 Natalia Rubiano, Samaria Arnold
July 7 Reese Thompson, Serena Faith
July 14 Season of Us, Emma Garrahy
July 21 Ron Bruder, Natalia Rubiano
July 28 The Sun Followers, Mango Quartet
Aug 4 Serena Faith
Aug 11 Season of Us
Aug 18 Emma Garrahy, Mark 3
Aug 25 Ron Bruder, Mango Quartet
Paradise Party in the Park
June 8 Driver – classic rock, blues, R&B
June 15 Special Guest – fun dance music & classic favorites
June 22 Lee Side Riders – country & rock favorites and originals
June 29 Jimmy Becker & Friends – acoustic classic rock
July 6 Soulfistication – funk, soul & groovy tunes
July 13 Overdrive – 70‘s & 80’s classic rock
July 20 The Alan Rigg Band – funky New Orleans, blues & jazz
July 27 Soul Posse – upbeat dance music & fun sin-along songs
Redding Saturday Market
June 4 Off The Charts
June 11 Cameron Sewell – Snyder Trio
June 18 Jimi Earl Solo
June 25 Jim Dyar & the Barefoot Band
July 2 Neighborhood Swing Band
July 9 Cameron Sewell – Snyder Quartet
July 16 Vendor’s Special
July 23 Mumblefinger
July 30 Joe Steele
Aug 6 Norcal Identity Crisis
Aug 13 Annie Coty
Aug 20 Neighborhood Swing Trio
Aug 27 Red Bluff Performing Arts
Posted in: Out & About
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