Locals will have to hunt down another local farmers' market or return to grocery stores for their produce and goods, as the Turlock Certified Farmers' Market season officially ended on Friday.
The final day of the popular farmers market featured its regular morning run, and the 4th annual Fall Fest on Friday evening. The Fall Fest included trick-or-treating at vendor stalls for children, live music from the Ukulele Fun Strummer Band, dancing, and booths lit up for the occasion.
Vendors come and go depending upon seasonality of their product, but at the peak of the summer the market hosted more than 40 vendors. This year booths included seasonal produce, hummus, bread, jams, toffee, as well as various lunch food trucks and vendors.
This year has drawn the highest number of attendance so far, which Market Manager Derek Griffin attributes to themed days such Kids Day and the CSU Stanislaus Night at the market.
Legacy Toffee co-founders Diana Lewis, Carla McLaughlin, and Julee Burke sell toffee and caramel corn at the market. Legacy Toffee uses recipes that have been passed down for generations in their families, indicated in their company title. The three best friends of 40 years said they are grateful to have the farmers' market to sell their product.
“Diana was the brainchild of this endeavor,” said McLaughlin. “She realized we could sell the toffee we’ve made for friends and family for years, and we’ve been doing that at the farmers' market since 2011.”
All three commented that they have seen the market grow in their time selling there.
Griffin said the market is looking to expand next year.
“I’m looking for an organic beef vendor and a fresh roasted coffee vendor. I’d like people to be able to come to the market and satisfy all of their shopping needs in one place, a one stop summer shop,” he said.
Those interested in selling at future farmers' markets can contact Derek Griffin at 225-8177.