The 2009 Oakdale Certified Farmers Market was off to a rousing start on Thursday, May 28. The new starting time of 5 p.m. found many shoppers getting an early start at the market.

Vijay Kumar was visiting the market for the first time, and was pleased with the selection and price of the vegetables. David and Peggy Bogart of Oakdale were back for the fourth year, selecting baked goods from the Bloomingcamp Ranch Bake Shop booth. They said they visit the market just about every week when it’s in season.

“We like to help support the town,” said Peggy Bogart.

David Bogart said they enjoy the variety of produce available, and also like the social aspects of the market.

“You get a chance to see people you know,” he observed.

Jeanette Lawrence owns The Empty Nest on North Third Avenue along with Gwen Schmitt. The first year of the Farmers Market, in 2006, Lawrence and Schmitt were vendors, with a booth featuring home décor and other items.

“Everyone was telling us we should open a store,” Lawrence noted.

The Empty Nest initially opened a storefront inside Forever Stone on West F Street, but recently moved into their own store not far from where they used to set up their booth. The current store brims with creative décor ideas, and shoppers were taking advantage of the store remaining open during the market.

Inside Moss Rose Bakery, customers were eating dinner and ordering other items. This is the first year the bakery has remained opened during the market hours.

Walter Nicolau of Nicolau Farms of Modesto was offering classic vinegar, olive oil, and goat cheese at his booth.

Back for a second year, Nicolau said business had been good so far.

“We enjoy it,” he said of staffing a booth during the market. “Oakdale is a nice community. We do several farmers markets, but we really enjoy Oakdale.”

Meghan Smith, a City of Oakdale employee and the coordinator of the market, said the first day went off smoothly.

“Everything is going really well,” she said at the market on Thursday evening. “No hiccups so far.”

The Oakdale Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. It is set up on North Third Avenue between F Street and E Street.