4 weeks, the countdown begins

—————-
Now playing: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – Runnin’ Down a Dream

Welcome to April!

The seasonal markets will open in a month and will be eagerly awaiting your appearance. Saturday has Orinda and Sunday has Martinez and Walnut Creek and Thursdays’ will bring the long awaited Lafayette market! Each market has its own separate personality and feel that you should experience for firsthand. Here are the opening dates Orinda-May 1(9 am-1 pm) manager, Janice, Martinez-May 2, manager Effie (10 am -2 pm) and Lafayette-May 6, manager, Moria (4 pm-8 pm). When you see the managers of these markets, take a minute to say hi and let them know you appreciate the job they are doing. Running farmers markets’ can be a thankless and difficult job. Stuck between the “devil and the deep blue sea”, we have to balance the needs of the cities we operate in, the needs of the community and the needs of the farmers and vendors along with the businesses in the areas we operate. All of these entities have different objectives, needs, and agendas. It can be a challenge.

The ONE thing that is common to all of us is the Farmers’ Market is good for the community, city, local businesses, and the farmers’. We need to keep this in mind.

With the seasonal markets opening I have to say “see ya next winter” to a lot of my Walnut Creek shoppers. Why? Its’ because they go back to shopping in their local markets. This is a good thing and I won’t discourage it, but I do miss them.

Well we all knew the day would come. Today I announce my retirement as the Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market manager. For the last 15 years I have gotten up at an uncivilized hour almost every Sunday and wove a group of unrelated folks into a community event that has grown into a Walnut Creek tradition. I have always taken great pride in this market and the community it serves. Over the next few weeks I will be handing the reins over to my replacement, Arthur “Art” Vandelay. Art is a recent transplant from New York and has worked in many fields, according to his resume’, Art is a noted architect and worked several years with the New York Yankee baseball club. I am sure you make him feel as welcome as you have me over the years. I am, of course sad to leave but there are greener pastures to be explored and higher mountains to be climbed. With my Sundays free who knows what I might accomplish. I suspect there will be a lavish party somewhere for me and you are all invited, equally lavish gifts would be in order. Stop by the booth in the next few weeks and tell me what a great guy I am and welcome Art to community.

Now on to the Market!

This Sunday is Easter and we will indeed be open. There will be an Easter egg hunt at 10:30 am for the kids; there are mystery prizes in the eggs. Did I mention it was for the kids? It’s for the kids. As it is a holiday observed by a lot of folks, there will be some of the farmers and vendors missing but that won’t stop us from having a grand time.

There is a chance of rain for Sunday but as you all know…….the market goes on rain or shine and so does the egg hunt!

Or new vendors are settling in and getting established.  Amore’ 4 Paws reports a warm reception and is haveing a great time. Vesta Flat Breads is coming up on step in the food court area.

I am working on getting more tables and chairs for the food areas.  Did you know there is a table and chair area on the Lacassie end? Yep, its’ near the band tent near kettlecorn.

That’s enough for now.  So until Sunday keep smiling and I’ll see you at the market.

—————-
Now playing: Eddy Rain – Peter Gunn (Dragnet)

—————-
Now playing: Amon Amarth – Guardians of Asgaard

—————-
Now playing: Amon Amarth – The Pursuit of Vikings

—————-
Now playing: Kingston Trio – This Land Is Your Land

—————-
Now playing: Johnny Rivers – Stir It it Up

Advertisement