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Hundreds flock to market for produce, family fun
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Will Pitts, Jim Mitchell, Mia Gomez, Randy Carnahan, and Eric Mitchell all perform as part of Janis Music Co.’s string section. - photo by JASON CAMPBELL
Bill Brown brushed aside the balmy summer air Tuesday evening and continued browsing for the perfect ear of corn at the Manteca Farmer’s Market.

It might have been the stiff Delta breeze that blew in that cooled everything off, or it could have been the extensive supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, but the longtime Manteca Farmers Market enthusiast wasn’t letting anything come between him and another round of family farms.

“I love coming out here for the fresh fruits and the vegetables,” Brown said. “It’s nice to have a family-oriented event here in town.”

On what was officially dubbed “Kid’s Night,” parents and families flocked to the street that borders Library Park – taking in the combination of farm fresh produce, cooler temperatures, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

While their grandson spent his evening on the playground, Joe and Carrie Cardoza continued with their normal Tuesday routine of browsing produce and enjoying one of the perks that Manteca has to offer during the warm summer months.

“There are so many different varieties of fruits and vegetables that you can choose from,” Joe Cardoza said about why he makes the weekly trip. “And best of all there are good people out here – there aren’t any problems that you have to worry about.”

And turnout continues to be better than what organizers have expected or seen in the last two years.

According to Manteca Convention and Visitors Bureau Events Director John Heath, the number of people turning up every week has continued to rise  – something he attributes to the assortment of fruit and vegetables and one other key significant factor.”

“We’re hoping that a lot of this has to do with an upturn in the economy,” Heath said. “We’ve had a lot of return farmers, and people also tend to be able to make a connection with the people that they’re selling fruit for.

“It’s been a successful start to the summer season so far, and we’re hoping that this trend just continues to rise.”

The market continues Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. through the end of August.