SOLEDAD — Many in the city of Soledad are celebrating the return of the Soledad Farmers Market, which signals that spring is here along with fresh fruits and vegetables.
As it has in the past, the Soledad Historical Society is sponsoring the 10th Annual Soledad Farmers Market, located at 137 Soledad St. The Historical Society and the City of Soledad will close down the 100 block of Soledad Street every Thursday.
Fruits and vegetables of all types are available. As the months change so will the variety. Returning again are many vendors, some local and some that travel from the other valley. Stackhouse is back with their pluots, peaches and nectarines. Their seasoned almonds have become a favorite among shoppers.
Flora Ripley brings her locally grown fruits and vegetables. Available are a mix of organic and regular products — peaches, tomatoes and zucchini as well as flowers, honey, certified eggs and baked goods.
An international array of foods will be ready to take home for an easy Thursday night dinner. Taco and burrito plates are available at one vendor, but it is the hot corn-on-the-cob and baked potato booth that usually has people showing up before the market has officially opened for the day, and lining up down the middle of the street each week.
Many vendors will return from last year along with some new surprises.
Many were surprised to see a vendor last year who traveled down from San Leandro to sell hummus of many types and flavors with fresh pita bread and pita chips. He is returning this year and will be there opening day.
One of the favorites from last year was the plant vendor. He carried an array of plants, including house and garden plants and succulents.
Fresh churros and potato chips are available at one booth. Walk down a little more and another booth has fresh Kettle Korn popping and ready to be taken away, Mexican delicacies and sweets too.
Non-edibles are sold at the market also. Soaps and scrubs are available along with bird feeders and information booths.
The market is a major fundraiser for the Historical Society, which operates out of the old International Harvester dealership building located in the center of Soledad Street. The fees from space rental go directly to the society, which is open during the market for people to visit. Nonprofits can set up a booth or table for free. Last year the Girl Scouts sold cookies utilizing the free space.
The Soledad Historical Society will have the museum open during the Farmers Market, so shoppers can drop in and explore the museum.
The Farmers Market is open from 4 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and runs through October.
The market will begin closing at dusk as the evenings get darker.
