At start of 22nd year, drought’s impact on vendors unclear

The Benicia Certified Farmers Market opens April 24 at the foot of First Street, and already most vendor spaces are filled, said Deborah Meyer, Benicia Main Street event coordinator.

By then, she said, every space is expected to be filled as another year of the popular downtown markets begins.

There will be other changes as the market begins its 22nd year, Meyer said: It will be able to accommodate more shoppers, and for the first time in its history the market will accept CalFresh EBT Program cards, which have replaced food stamps for low-income individuals and families.

“The market’s goal is to offer fresh fruits, vegetables and other eligible products to families who receive EBT benefits,” Meyer said.

She said the state of California helped Benicia Main Street offer this payment method. “It wasn’t difficult to get,” she said, providing a wireless device that will let EBT recipients buy Benicia Farmers Market tokens, at $1 each, from Benicia Main Street’s booth. The tokens can be spent at market vendors’ booths, Meyer said.

Some things will stay the same. The market takes place each Thursday through its season, which lasts until October.

It will be at its usual place, between B and D streets on First Street, and as always shoppers will find farm-fresh produce, fresh-cut flowers, arts and crafts items, specialty foods, baked goods and gourmet foods, Meyer said.

Children will find such activities as face painting and an inflatable bounce house to keep them entertained on the First Street Green, she said, and musicians will be on hand to entertain the adults.

Among the vendors participating this year are Diaz Farms, bringing grapes, oraanges, peaches and nectarines; Great Valley Poultry, with its cage-free organic eggs; KyleMcGee Farms, bringing artichokes, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, melons, peppers, radishes, squash, tomatoes, beans, eggplants, watermelon and zucchini; Lujan Farms, with apples, apricots, cherries, figs, grapes, citrus, nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots and pomegranates; Marshall’s Farm, which produces natural honey; and Medrano’s Flowers.

Also signed up for the market are Ortiz Farms, bringing strawberries, raspberries and blackberries; Rainbow Orchards, which grows blueberries; Resendiz Farms, growers of stone fruits, tomatoes, squash, melons, cherries, grapes, almonds and plums; Rose Lane Farms, bringing jam, pickles, salsas, sauces, herbs and heirloom tomatoes; and Triple Delight, which grows blueberries.

Though some farmers markets have reported that participants are struggling because of the drought, Meyer said Benicia Certified Farmers Market’s vendors have not reported any such problems.

“The majority are coming,” she said. “I’m sure we’ll learn more once the market opens.”

Vendors bringing gourmet foods include Angelina’s Family Kitchen, biscotti; Dianna’s Delectables, baked goods (including gluten-free types); Dawg Gawn Nutz, gourmet glazed roasted nuts; Cucina Ragazza, gourmet Rice Krispy treats; Fairyella Ice Pops; Fox & Fawn Bakehouse, cupcakes and pies; and Gourmet Temptations.

They’ll be joined by Il Pastaio, pasta and ravioli; Sonoma Spice Queen and her handcrafted organic spice mixes and rubs; Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Foods, such as samosas, naan, parathas, marinades and spices; Tea or Tisane, herbal teas and tea-making tools; The Upper Crust Bakery, pies, tarts, cheesecakes and breads; and Way to Life Foods, with quinoa burgers, granola, vegan cinnamon buns and protein bars.

Those who want to eat at the farmers market can buy hot food to go at the Benicia Yacht Club’s booth for sandwiches and chips; patronize Big Bob’s Mini Donuts; go to Bits of Chicago for hot sandwiches, hot dogs, french fries, gyros, tacos and lumpia; try Bluefield Catering’s teriyaki chicken, tacos, burritos and tamales; sample Got Plate Lunch’s rice plates with barbecued grill meats and salads; nibble on Julie’s Roasted corn for roasted corn and potatoes; taste La Perla De Jalisco’s tacos, tortas, burritos and quesadillas; or munch on Tony’s Original Kettle Corn.

The artisans will be back, too, Meyer said.

Among those selling arts and crafts or offering artistic activities will be Alex Harlander Photography, Masquerade Face Painting, Rene’s Wishing Bracelets, Simply Natural Madagascar, Soaptree, Scentsy, the Arc-Solano handcrafted jewelry by adults with developmental disabilities, and Two Days Jewelry.

The market is a popular gathering place, Meyer said, with about 3,000 from Benicia and elsewhere coming to watch local talent and shop for California-grown fruits and vegetables.

Repeat shoppers can take advantage of the Frequent Shopper Card, Meyer said, available at Benicia Main Street’s booth. “After eight hole punches, frequent shoppers get a free small bag of the ‘produce of the week,’” she said.

Main Street also will sell its reusable shopping bags, with a new design for this year’s market, Meyer said.

Benicia Certified Farmers Market opening day is 4 p.m. Thursday, April 24 from 4-8 p.m. EBT recipients can purchase tokens specific to the Benicia Farmers Market, valued at $1 each, from Benicia Main Street’s booth.

As required by Solano County Environmental Health Department, no pets will be allowed.

Those interested may visit Benicia Main Street’s website, www.BeniciaMainStreet.org, call its office at 707-745-9791 or email the office at info@beniciamainstreet.org.