The coming of fall signals the end of the summer programs, such as the Oakdale Farmer’s Market but the coordinators are planning a fun send off for the final market date, Wednesday, Sept. 30 and it involves pumpkins.
Market coordinator, and Cap’n Coop’s Kettlecorn owner Glen Earl, is ringing in the spooky season with a free pumpkin giveaway for the first 100 kids who come to the farmer’s market on the final day.
The pumpkin giveaway will be on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.
The Oakdale Farmer’s Market is able to donate the pumpkins, thanks to a reduced price from George Perry out of Manteca, the largest pumpkin and watermelon distributor in California.
“I’ve done it in years past and it’s that time of year. I figured with COVID, let’s go out with a bang,” Earl said.
He has been involved with the market for 20 years but started organizing it five years ago. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, Earl thought the market thrived in the summer of 2020.
“I’m very happy with this year’s Farmer’s Market. It was better than expected. Everyone seemed to be happy and that’s what counts,” Earl said.
One young shopper, 6-year-old Aubreyanna, loved coming to the market to look for a new bath bomb.
“She loves bath bombs,” her mother, Diana Valencia said. “We’ve come a few times.”
Valencia also said it was nice to get out and about, just like it used to be before the pandemic started.
“We don’t like to seclude ourselves. We want to get out and do things,” Valencia said.
That seemed to be the sentiment for many people as they strolled the street at the next-to-last market on Sept. 23, perusing the booths, many people wearing masks or doing their best to social distance.
The opportunity to purchase fresh produce from a variety of booths, homemade jewelry or a tasty treat is a nice way to end a Wednesday evening for many residents.
But fall is coming and with it, cooler weather and changing leaves so it’s time to pack up for the year and get ready to head into the holiday season.
Don’t miss the opportunity to scoop up the last of the fresh goodies and homemade wares on Sept. 30 and possibly, take home a free pumpkin.
