CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Esther Oertel, “The Veggie Girl,” will demonstrate the preparation of fresh gazpacho from the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and basil available from the farmers at this week's Friday Night Farmers' Market in Clearlake at 6 p.m.

Community members will also enjoy the musical talent of Wildcard.

Gazpacho, a cold tomato-based raw vegetable soup is from the southern region of Andalusia in Spain.

Traditionally, gazpacho was popular with field hands to cool off in the summer. Peasants used the soup to finish up stale bread.

Today, gazpacho can be found in higher-end restaurants and is considered a seasonal delicacy.

The public is invited to this demonstration at the Lake County Community Co-op's booth.

The market runs through September from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Redbud Park in Clearlake and features local and regional farmers, freshly prepared foods and baked goods, pickles, and cottage industry arts and crafts. There are only two markets remaining for this season.

The Friday Night Farmers' Market is a cooperative venture between the Lake County Community Co-op, the City of Clearlake, and the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit www.lakeco-op.org or contact Market Manager Hileri Shand at 707-483-0785.

Celebrating almost three years in community, the Lake County Community Co-op cultivates an evolving community by nurturing values of social, economic and environmental responsibility. The Co-op encourages member input and participation for the continued success of its co-creation. It supports and enhances the local food system while providing a forum for community activities.