The Turlock Certified Farmers Market (TCFM) is set to return to Main Street for its 13th year on May 7. Like the previous year, the market will be held on a weekly basis and will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., operating through the last week of October.

Nick Schuller is the marketing director for this year’s market. He explained that this is setting up to be one of the biggest years ever for the TCFM. With only two weeks before the market’s opening, there are already 34 accepted vendors, a large increase from last year. Schuller explained that the number could still grow as multiple spots remain available and can be claimed throughout the season.

“We are looking at a really exciting season,” Schuller said. “Many people know of the businesses that launched from the Turlock Certified Farmers Market…  This year we are proud to have, along with our returning vendors, several new vendors including five who are starting new businesses this year.”

Schuller recruits vendors from around the area and helps them become accustomed to operating on Main Street. He said that, with the help of the TCFM board, he wants to give customers the ability to have a diverse and unique set of options when shopping.

“I have two specific goals,” Schuller said. “They are to expand our number of vendors so that we can provide a wider variety of products, especially fresh fruits and vegetables for our customers, and my second goal is to engage with the community so that we can provide fun activities and events for people to come in and visit the market.”

Most events planned for the TCFM are tailored for children. These include Mother’s and Father’s Day events, an arts and crafts fair hosted by the Carnegie Arts Center, scavenger hunts and balloons. Customers will also be treated to live music every week, with the popular Modesto band Tony and the Tough Times lined up to perform on opening day on May 7.

Schuller encourages the public to follow the TCFM on Instagram at @TurlockFarmersMarket and on Facebook at @TurlockMarket to get the most updated information regarding scheduled dates and events. Additional information on the TCFM can be found at www.TurlockMarket.com.

“I would say that the Turlock Certified Farmers Market is the absolute best place to shop local,” Schuller said. “It’s the place to buy local foods and gifts directly from the people who grow and make them. You cannot find a better way to support a local businessperson by coming down to the farmers market.”