By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
FARMERS MARKETS GALORE
Manteca now boasts 4 weekly options
_FRUIT1 6-13-112.jpg
Jacobs Produce, that has a permanent location on East Highway 120 east of Austin Road, is the backbone of a three-day farmers market taking place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley. - photo by Bulletin file photo

Manteca is located in the San Joaquin Valley where the largest percentage of the nation’s vegetables, fruits, and nuts are grown.

Yet many don’t venture out to the half dozen produce stands lining East Highway 120 between Manteca and Escalon to take advantage of fresh locally grown fruit, vegetables, and nuts.

So the solution is to bring the fresh produce stands to Manteca.

The fledgling Farmers Market at The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley is now a three-day affair taking place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on the plaza next to the water feature by the AMC Showplace 16 Theater.

That is in addition to the Market & Music the Manteca Chamber of Commerce conducts on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Library Park in downtown Manteca through the end of July.

The farmers markets at Orchard Valley are Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. through Oct. 26 along with just added times on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jacob’s Produce — that has a permanent stand on East Highway 120 just east of Austin Road on the way to Escalon — is at all three markets. 

Jacob’s joined Cipponeri Farms out of Turlock for the Friday market. Also joining the Friday event this week is Barton Garden of Eatin.

“Baton Garden of Eatin will have all the salad produce people have been asking for — lettuce, kale, chard, beets, green beans, carrots, and potatoes,” noted Mary Mueller of MM Vendor Events who is organizing the Orchard Valley markets.

The newest farm vendor also has baked goods, fresh flowers, jams and other items.

Jacob’s so far is the only produce vendor on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It’s picking up,” Mueller noted. “Jacob’s sold out last Saturday.”

Each day has non-farm product vendors. On Friday’s Lockeford Sausage is on hand. The markets are also adding Mr. Biggs BBQ this week.

“Each day has a different vibe,” Mueller said.

Mueller noted the Saturday market was added at the request of commuters who didn’t want to be rushed getting back from the Bay Area to go to the Friday market. The Sunday market has been picking up residents as well but the biggest draw are those heading back to the Bay Area from weekend trips to either the valley of the Sierra that want to take fresh produce on their way back home.

Mueller can be reached at vendoreventplanners@gmail.com or by calling (209) 612-5396.

Vendor information on the popular Market and Music at Library Park in downtown can be found at manteca.org/market-music-in-manteca-farmers-market or by calling the chamber at 823-6121


 To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com