CLEARLAKE – After a lot of hard work and organization, Clearlake's Friday Night Farmers Market will debut this week.

 

The market grand opening will be held Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., across the street from City Hall on the site of the old Austin Resort.

 

JoAnn Saccato, one of the effort's lead organizers, said the market was one of several priorities identified by the newly formed Lake County Community Co-Op group.

Out of a list of 50 suggestions, the co-op group narrowed the list to five top items, including the farmers market, a community garden, a co-op buyers club and supporting local organic farmers.

The market, the organization of which has been in the works since March, is the first of item on the Top 5 list to get off the ground, said Saccato.

Saccato said the co-op and the market has generated huge community buzz, plus plenty of support. Earlier this spring, the Clearlake City Council gave the market permission to be held temporarily on the Austin Resort site.

“It has come together just so magically,” Saccato said.

She credited some of the magic to Clearlake businesswoman and chamber executive director, Lori Peters, who lent to the market her considerable organizational skills and ability to connect people.

Saccato said she's amazed by how the effort has manifested.

“I think we really reached this critical mass of awareness and consciousness, and people wanting to create local community,” Saccato said.

Friday's event will feature more than 15 local farms and vendors – among them Adamson Farms, The Dancing Vegan and Lake County Community Co-op – who will offer a variety of vegetables and fruits, arts and crafts, and fun activities. Local restaurants and food purveyors also will be on hand.

Don Coffin, one of Lake County's musical treasures, will perform, and the community is invited to bring a chair or blanket to sit on the lakeshore and enjoy the evening.

KPFZ, 88.1 FM, also is scheduled to do a live broadcast from the event, Saccato noted.

Saccato said the markets will continued on Friday evenings through Oct. 17, weather permitting.

For information or to become a vendor, visit www.lakecountycommunityco-op.wikispaces.com or call 707-994-3600.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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