The second of the two farmers’ markets Turlock residents can shop at is opening Thursday with a bevy of special offers that city officials and business owners hope will entice more people to “experience” the city.

The new Central Park Evening Market in Downtown Turlock starts Thursday night at Central Park at the corner of East Main Street and Golden State Boulevard. The market’s operating hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday from May through the end of September.

The Central Park Evening Market is the City’s contracted market for downtown Turlock and will include an event within the market called “Experience Turlock.” Downtown businesses are extending their business hours to accommodate the market shoppers.  Wristbands for “Experience Turlock” are sold weekly for $5 each and offer patrons exclusive specials and discounts with each participating downtown business during the market hours.   All proceeds from the wristband sales will be donated to a featured non-profit.

Local jewelry maker Valeria Jimenez is the new downtown farmers market operator and promoter, and is excited to bring back an old tradition to Turlock’s downtown.

 “This is about celebrating downtown,” said Jimenez. “I’m excited to see the restoration, excited to see people coming back downtown on Thursday nights.”

The opening night of the market will feature a live musical performance by “The Nines,” a local band with an acoustical bluesy sound.  Children’s activities include a cookie decorating station provided by Frost Bakery. Vendors expected for the opening night include flowers from Blumen 209, almond butter from Alldrin Almonds, hummus from Hummus Heaven, stone fruit from J & J farms, handcrafted jewelry from Valeria Jewelry, and ice cream from Oak Barrel Creamery. Eventually the night market will also include dance lessons taught by Sips & Salsa.

Among those businesses that will offer special promotions will be La Mo, which is offering free chips and salsa in the restaurant and $1 off coffee in the cafe.  Glitz is offering 10% percent off store wide to shoppers who show their wristbands.  Dust Bowl is offering $1 off all house beers during the market.  The Central Park Evening Market is providing all shoppers with a map of participating businesses and their specials for the evening.  All promotions are valid during the market hours.