CLEARLAKE – The Friday Night Farmers' Market at Redbud Park in Clearlake was vibrant and bustling with locals and tourists alike last week.
The Lake County Community Co-op hosted local chef Esther Oertel.
Oertel, a chef at Chic Le Chef in Hidden Valley, demonstrated a variety of recipe options from the co-op's weekly CSA box.
She also expanded the audience's knowledge of spices and seasonal mixing.
The farmers' selection at the market is increasing each week as the Lake County growing season moves into full swing and more producers are rounding out the variety of food available at the market, including RB's Honey and Shamrock Goat Cheese.
Local band Blind Spot, featuring Tom Nixon, moved the crowd to their feet with old time rock and roll.
Families danced and dined eating freshly prepared meals of tacos, kabobs, homemade Belgian waffles, sweet potato pie and seasonal fruit, including peaches, strawberries and blackberries.
The market, located on the shore of Clear Lake, is in its third season and market manager Hileri Shand is focused on growing the market by adding special touches like Oertel, who will return Aug. 6 to shop at the market and demonstrate on the spot recipes.
This week's music is provided by Michael Barrish, a self-proclaimed cowboy that woos the crowd with his guitar and lyrics.
The farmers' market is part of the Lake County Community Co-op's vision for a more sustainable local food system. They collaborate with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and the City of Clearlake.
The market runs 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through August and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in September.
For more information on the market, go to www.lakeco-op.org, or call Shand, at 707-483-0785.
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