Business & Tech
First 2012 Albany Farmers Market Brings Hundreds to Solano
We hope to see your images from the farmers market. Did you discover a new product you loved, or end up with something that just wasn't worth the money? Share your market shopping tips in the comments below.
The first of the season kicked off Wednesday with face painting, a stilt walker, produce galore and stalls filled with edible goodies of all kinds.
Organizer Ben Feldman said the first day went smoothly, with a steady flow of attendees throughout the afternoon.
(The farmers market takes place Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. on Solano Avenue just west of San Pablo Avenue.)
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Feldman estimated that 700-800 people attended the event.
Vendors too said, though shoppers never appeared in throngs, business had been constant.
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Many parents pushed strollers through the block, and children delighted in the entertainment, getting their faces painted for free, receiving balloon creations from Dozo the Clown and running through the legs of the towering stilt walker.
Familiar faces at the market included Blue Heron and Blue House farms, Avalos Organic Farm, , Blossom Bluff Orchards and .
Those looking for prepared foods had several options, including and new market vendor Harley Richter Meats.
Tofu creations from Hodo Soy appeared to be a popular item for many.
Shoppers with a sweet tooth had two bakeries to choose from, and , as well as .
Though drinks weren't readily available from most vendors, sold several lemonade varieties, while supplies lasted, as well as a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks.
The "bargain bite" of the week came from , which was selling savory pastry puffs with bacon bits inside for just 25 cents as the market drew to a close.
(Did you discover a new product you loved, or end up with something that just wasn't worth the money? Share your market shopping tips in the comments below.)
Albany businesses nearby received canvas "goodie bags," from market organizer The Ecology Center, overflowing with produce from market vendors.
"It was our way of saying 'thank you' for sharing the space with us," said Feldman.
Next week, the market is set to include kettle corn, cheese and blueberry vendors, and cherry vendor Busalacchi Farms predicted just two more weeks for cherries.
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